Alternative Health Guides

U.V. Guide Practitioner Didi Pershouse Book Project

2012-01-23T17:20:00.001-05:00

For those in the community who missed this Valley News article, please enjoy the story about acupuncturist and sustainable medicine advocate Didi Pershouse's book-in-progress on a sustainable medicine future. To support Didi's work directly visit her fundraising page on Indiegogo.

Regarding Fish

2011-07-25T14:14:00.000-04:00

There is conflicting information about eating fish. What is healthy, what is not? As the recent article, The Flip Side of Tilapia, from the New York Times reports, the production of Tilapia has been, like so many things, industrialized and tainted, to the point where the fish lack the very attributes that make eating fish recommended as a healthy component of diet. This is tragic. I remember decades ago, The New Alchemy Institute, a forward-thinking non-profit on Cape Cod, was incorporating Tilapia into their experimental greenhouse ponds, raising them in an organic environment as they worked to develop ecological, sustainable, local food systems. That small-scale, organic model has gone by the way-side.

Paul Greenberg's excellently written Four Fish details the issues with wild and farmed fish, as well as presenting useful solutions—highly recommended for anyone concerned about the future of food.

Slow Food's Slow Fish Campaign is full of helpful and inspirational information. At the end of May, Slow Fish held a convention in Genoa, Italy focusing on small-scale fishers. Slow Food says,

"Slow Fish celebrates and draws awareness to artisanal fishing in many ways and investigates the difficult balance between safeguarding the income of fishers and protecting the marine resources on which their livelihood depends. This begins with welcoming fishers from across the world, like Frank Fleming, the Irish fisherman who, while battling to compete with the huge quantities of industrially caught fish on the market, set up a certification system for responsibly caught fish; or 16 year old Georgios from Greece, a third generation member of a family of fishers who use small boats and traditional fishing methods; or the Oosterchelde Lobster Presidia fishermen from the Netherlands whose careful techniques ensure the survival of the species for future generations."

Thank goodness there are still fisherman working on a small, sustainable level. Explore the Slow Fish site for more information and tips.

Two of the many resources offered at Slow Food include the Chef's Collaborative report, Seafood Solutions: A Chef’s Guide to Sourcing Sustainable Seafood, and for residents and visitors of the UK, restaurants serving responsibly harvested fish can be found at Pisces Responsible Fish Restaurants.

In the meantime, I suggest some wild sardines (still available) as they are low on the food chain so don't have the toxin and heavy metal loads that tuna and other larger fish have, and, so far, are not endangered

Kimchi Lover's Rejoice

2011-05-15T11:33:00.000-04:00

Green Med Info has highlighted two reports this week showing the health benefits of traditional fermented cabbage dishes like kimchi.

The first study shows that an active compound of kimchi inhibits atherosclerosis in rabbits (let's ignore the fact that rabbits usually eat raw cabbage). These rabbits were fed a high-cholesterol diet and then given either a pharmaceutical drug or the kimchi compound. The kimchi compound had the highest cholesterol-lowering effect.

The second study shows that a particular strain of Lactobacillus bacteria found in kimchi is able to degrade organophosphorus pesticides which include extremely toxic substances such as parathion and diazinon.

For more information about kimchi and fermented foods see the past blog post about Raw/Live Food and the health links page at the Alternative Health Guides Web Site for where to buy kimchi-like products and books about how to make your own.

Freedom of Choice

2011-05-06T10:41:00.000-04:00

Whatever your personal decisions are regarding vaccines, it is important to have freedom of choice in the United States and the world, because once freedom of choice is taken away in one area, it can be taken away in other areas. To have informed freedom of choice, people need to have access to all sides of an issue.

Science is not one static block of information. There are different opinions, outcomes in tests and a myriad of components in how studies are conducted and reported. Science evolves and changes—you only need to explore history and you will find this consistently. The most common example is that prior to 1850 the notion of infection reduction due to hand-washing before surgery was dismissed as totally ridiculous and the doctor who promoted the theory was imprisoned. Now hand-washing is considered the most important aspect of infection reduction even with all sorts of technology available.

Antibiotics, considered miracle-cures and panaceas, are now known to cause all sorts of resistant super-bugs and other health issues. In a relatively short span of time antibiotics have gone from cure-all drugs to cautiously prescribed — an enormous shift in how the drugs are used.

So when billions of dollars are at stake in the world of vaccines, with its relatively short history, it seems prudent to allow full disclosure and transparency in all information, full access to all sides of the issues and most importantly, the freedom for individuals to make their own choices about what is injected into their bodies.

Here is a link to a referenced article from Dr. Mercola's Newsletter about the money trail of vaccine proponents and the attack on the National Vaccine Information Center, whose primary focus for decades has been freedom of information and choice.

Just as label-reading is important in the grocery store, regardless of what you choose to buy, so is virtual label reading of everything that is put into our bodies. What is considered life-saving and miraculous one day, may not be the next. Everyone has the right to make their own choices.

The Wonders of Curcumin

2011-04-17T17:12:00.000-04:00

Just over a year ago I wrote Eat That Curry! about research being done at the Cork Cancer Research Centre in Cork, Ireland on the cancer-killing effects of curcumin, a component of turmeric, a common Indian spice and member of the ginger family used in curry and other dishes. Bright orange-yellow, the compound is traditionally used in Ayurvedic medicine as an anti-inflammatory.

As if killing cancer-cells were not enough, curcumin has a wide range of other beneficial health effects. The most recent issue of AARP's magazine reports that researchers at the University of Arizona in Tucson have found turmeric to inhibit arthritis in rats and a study from Thailand found it worked as well or better than ibuprofen for reducing the pain of rheumatoid arthritis.

The research continues into the beneficial uses of curcumin. Lee Silsby, a compounding pharmacy in Cleveland Heights, Ohio, works with doctors and researchers to develop innovative nutritional products. It offers a number of products for people suffering from autism-spectrum disorders, cancer, Crohn's and other illnesses. A number of its products are designed to enhance detoxification and improve the function of methylation detoxification pathways.

As part of its specialized selection, Silsby has developed a potentiated form of curcumin called Enhansa. Silsby claims Enhansa is absorbed seven to eight times more than standard curcumin extracts. The list of benefits is quite impressive and includes being anti-viral, anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory, improving liver detoxification, and chelating lead and cadmium. People have had success using it to treat candida problems, arthritis and have found it helps to diminish some of the symptoms of autism-spectrum disorders. Dr. Dietrich Klinghardt of Seattle, Washington includes Enhansa in his protocol for Lyme disease. If you or your health practitioner decide that Enhansa might be a good medicament to incorporate into your health regime, pay attention to the dosing protocol listed on the Silsby Enhansa Web site.

It is refreshing to see modern medicine explore ancient knowledge and to embrace its possibilities. We can only hope that this trend continues not only for curcumin, but also for the vast reservoir of other natural substances available around the world.

Recipes for the Caffeine Sensitive and Menopause-Afflicted

2011-01-24T13:31:00.000-05:00

One of the less fortunate effects of perimenopause (I really dislike that word speaking of cranky) for me is that my usual sensitivity to caffeine has skyrocketed making it absolutely impossible for my body to tolerate even microscopic amounts of caffeine, no matter how beneficial the supposed source (so no green tea, dark chocolate, or "decaf" items). This to me is actually a tragedy, not just an annoyance. During the periods (no pun intended) I want or need caffeine and chocolate the most, I am not able to partake—a cruel twist. So I have come up with my own substitutes. I hope those of you similarly afflicted will find some solace in these recipes.

I need to preface the following by saying that I am not a huge soy-food fan. I do like tofu if it is fresh, especially when it is combined with pesto (just about anything mixed with pesto is delicious in my book), and I like fresh miso, but that is about it. Most other soy products make me gag. So my concoction below was a happy discovery since I seem to benefit from the mild suppression of excess estrogen which soy milk offers.

 My Cup o'Joe
1) In a French Press Coffee Maker (about 1 Qt size) put in 3 small scoops (about 3 Tablespoons) of Orzo (see more on Orzo below)*
2) Fill the Press with just-boiled water, place the cover on but do not press, rather let it sit
3) Separately grind cardamon, cloves, cinnamon and nutmeg (sometimes ginger, fennel and/or black pepper too as to mood and preference) in a mortar & pestle
4) Mix the spices with 1 cup of soy milk—not just any soy milk, but Vermont Soy Plain soy milk which is prepared from Vermont-grown, organic and GMO-free soy beans. The Unsweetened "flavor" has no sweeteners or flavors and has the highest protein content so also the highest isoflavone content—phytonutrients which some women find helpful with their menopausal symptoms.
(For some more information about soy and menopause see Women to Women)
5) Press the orzo and add about half of it to the soy milk and spice mixture. Pour into a mug and enjoy.

(Save the other half for a cold Orzo-latte or drink plain—it is delicious and reminiscent of black-coffee)  

*For more information about Orzo/Caffe Orzo, see Orzo You Say?
Orzo—finding the good stuff in the U.S.: Fortunately for those of us who do not find ourselves in Italy, Two Leaves and a Bud, purveyors of fine teas, imports what I found to be one of the best Orzos in Italy from Alce Nero. You can order it online or find it at local stores. It is available locally in the Upper Valley at the Upper Valley Food Coop, 185 North Main St., White River Jct, VT 05001; Tel: 802-295-5804

I have recently found that I can tolerate very small amounts of raw cocoa nibs and raw cocoa, although even these I must limit. Raw cocoa is not stimulant-free, it contains theobromine, a compound similar to caffeine. Raw cocoa can also contribute to excess estrogen so moderation is extremely recommended if you suffer from caffeine-sensitivity and excess estrogen. I find that if I stick to moderation, for some reason also easier to do with raw rather than regular cocoa, I can be satiated with something relatively healthy when I am having a wild chocolate craving.

 Chocolate Truffle Fix
6 whole dates- soaked for 30 to 60 minutes
1 Tablespoon Raw Agave nectar 
1 Tablespoon Raw Coconut Oil
1/3 cup raw, dried shredded coconut 
1/6 cup raw cocoa powder 
1-2 Tablespoons water from the soaked dates 
Optional: 1 teaspoon organic peppermint extract (for those that like mint-chocolate (guilty)

Pit the dates and throw all the ingredients into a food processor. Blend until a thick paste.
Place 1/4-1/2 cup of raw cocoa nibs on a plate and roll teaspoonfuls of the paste into balls in the nibs. I recommend making small balls so that you protect yourself from eating more than might be tolerable.

Eat plain, or with sliced bananas, and serve with an orzo Cup o'Joe. Enjoy!

Raw/Live-Food At Home and While Traveling

2011-01-02T10:18:00.000-05:00

“It’s alive!” my teenage son jokingly howled as he took a bite of food we were sampling at a restaurant recently. There was no monster from the black lagoon or flies in his soup, but rather a medley of “raw” dishes prepared to gourmet standards at New York City’s One Lucky Duck café near Union Square.

"Raw food" usually conjures a pile of uncooked vegetables—or "rabbit food" as some people like to refer to it—but that evening we were eating tortillas, spicy Thai wraps, lasagna, chocolate ganache and almond-buttercup ice cream. Our meal was varied in its flavors, textures, scents and presentation. Other than the Mediterranean salad and the chunks of avocado in the delicious guacamole that came with our tortillas, nothing we ate could have been remotely described as “rabbit food” (although I have nothing against “rabbit food.”)

While the term "raw" provides a short, quick description of uncooked food, it is not the most accurate term for the burgeoning world of foods prepared below 118ºF. The term "live" is much more apt as it properly describes the important elements of this style of eating, where the enzymes, nutrients and beneficial bacteria of foods are kept vital and accessible when prepared below temperatures that destroy these essential compounds.

Live-food is more than salads and juices. Live-food involves understanding ways to make food more digestible and assimilable. This means knowing how to unlock nutrients and generate healthy fermentation. Nuts, for instance, become much more digestible when raw nuts (those that are not roasted) are soaked for one to four hours. Legumes, such as lentils, are best soaked and slightly sprouted, as are seeds—making them "live" as if for germination.

Many cultures use natural fermentation as a food-storage tool as well as to create healthy foods eaten daily such as traditional sauerkraut or kimchi—a term referring to countless variations of fermented vegetables and spices, considered a traditional, staple dish in Korea. Live-food chefs and devotees have developed a variety of techniques and recipes which successfully transform piles of raw vegetables, fruits, nuts and seeds into gourmet meals, both delicious and satisfying.

Skeptics might question the ability of live-foods to satiate, but research has found that live-foods nourish the body more efficiently than their equivalent in cooked food. For example studies have shown that soaking and sprouting can increase the nutrient content of beans, nuts and seeds by 300 to 600 times.

In addition to increased nutrients, live-food meals are usually free of common allergens such as gluten, eggs and cow-dairy. However people with nut allergies might find the diet challenging since many live-food recipes rely on nuts. There are variations on the live-food theme and not all live-food advocates are vegan (animal-product-free). You can find live-food enthusiasts who consume raw fish, raw meat, and cheeses and milk from unpasteurized milk, but many live-foodies stay clear of animal products and so the diet tends to be suitable for vegans and vegetarians.

Live or raw food is not a new concept. Cultures all over the world utilize aspects of live-food production and have done so for millennia including the aromatic (some would say stinky) cheeses made from raw milk in France and other countries, Korea’s kimchi, traditional kefir (fermented milk) in Eastern Europe and Middle Eastern countries, Himalayan gundruk (fermented vegetable leaves), countless local, small-batch fermented beverages around the globe from beers to kombucha (fermented tea), and of course the bounty of fresh fruits and vegetables in tropical climates. Some of the basic components of the health-acclaimed Mediterranean diet involve live-food with its emphasis on local, fresh fruits and vegetables, olives and extra virgin olive oil.

In the United States live-food has been promoted for decades by health enthusiasts such as Ann Wigmore and Max Gerson who have advocated eating live-food as a form of cancer prevention and treatment. Other live-food proponents past and present include Weston Price, DDS, Norman Walker, Gabriel Cousens, MD, Victoria Boutenko, Donna Gates, David Wolfe, and numerous brilliant chefs. Naturally detoxifying, some health benefits that have been associated with live-food diets include weight loss, increased energy, reduction of inflammation, and longevity.

Before you start experimenting with live-food cuisine on your own I suggest going to one of the restaurants listed below to see what a live-food meal can be like. You might be surprised at the fresh, clean sensations, the spectrum of flavors and the lack of post-meal gut distention. That said, be forewarned that meals in restaurants specializing in live-food are not cheap. Live-food requires a huge amount of prep time and uses perishable foods including avocados (big in live-food menus). Anyone who has tried to keep a bunch of avocados on hand to ripen knows how challenging and potentially expensive that can be.

If you are experimenting at home be apprised that live-food represents an utterly new way of preparing food that takes a bit of adjustment. It is not simply replacing conventional products with organic, or processed with unprocessed. Your kitchen world shifts to soaking (a large part of raw food prep) and planning ahead (not a bad thing). Equipment needs change from pots and pans to blenders, food processors and a dehydrator—the last being the most foreign to many kitchens and cooks.

You will also have a radically different grocery list. Stocking the pantry will be expensive at first, but once you have the basic foods, you will find it less expensive than meat-based diets or processed foods. The most challenging is keeping fresh greens on hand in the winter. Kale is one of the healthiest and most economical, lasting a fairly long time in the fridge. Easy live-food dishes to begin with are salads, smoothies (made with fresh, raw ingredients only—not mixes), and blender-made soups.

Vitamixers are the gold standard for live-food preparation but are expensive running in the $500 range. If you already own a good blender or food processor those will work. An electric coffee grinder, such as the compact model made by Braun, is good to have on hand for grinding seeds. When looking for a dehydrator—if you get that far—the key is to look for one with adjustable temperature controls and a thermostat since you want to keep items below 118 degrees. Some dehydrators have no controls and dehydrate at temperatures too high for live-food preservation. The Excalibur is the most popular dehydrator among live-food chefs with a price tag around $200. A less expensive option is made by Nesco for around $70.00.

Chefs and restaurants devoted to live-food menus are few and far between, at least outside of California and Hawaii, so travelers trying to adhere to a live-food diet may find it challenging when on the road. Even large cities like New York have less than a handful of restaurants specializing in live-foods. See the resources at the end for some of the raw food restaurants in the United States and the UK.

Entering the realm of live-foods can be exciting and health rewarding, but also frustrating and challenging. While many jump in with both feet this can be overwhelming unless you are fully prepared with the proper basic foods, equipment and determined commitment. For others it is helpful to go easy and gently, building your live-food repertoire, discovering the dishes you love and hate, and listening to your body. This last being the most important—listen to your body, unearth what you hunger for and what truly nourishes you.

Restaurants

Boston area
Prana Café serves all raw, organic, vegan foods. Prana, 292 Centre St., Newton Corner, MA; Tel: 617-527-7726; Web: www.eatatprana.com; open every day from 9 am to 4 pm, open for dinner Sunday to Thursday from 5 pm to 9 pm, Friday and Saturday from 5 to 10 pm.

The Organic Garden Café has a mostly raw/live-food menu. Organic Garden Cafe, 298 Cabot St, Beverly, MA 01915; Web: www.organicgardencafe.com;open Tuesday to Thursday from 9 am to 7:30 pm, Friday and Saturday from 9 am to 8:30 pm, and Sunday 9 am to 7 pm.

The Revitalize Café serves all raw, vegan dishes using locally grown produce. The café does not use products that contain gluten, soy, refined sugars, honey, grains, mushrooms or animal products. Dishes available to eat in or as take-out. Revitalize Café, Tannery Marketplace, 50 Water St., Newburyport, MA; Tel: 978-462-0639; Web: www.revitalivecafe.com; open 7 days a week, Monday to Saturday from 9 am to 7 pm, Sunday from 12 noon to 5 pm.

Experienced live-foodies will be sad to learn that Alissa Cohen’s Grezzo live-food restaurants in Boston and Newburyport are now closed.

Connecticut
Catch a Healthy Habit serves raw, vegan, organic, gluten-free foods. Catch a Healthy Habit Café, 39 Unquowa Road, Fairfield, CT 06824; Tel: 203-292-8190; Web: www.catchahealthyhabit.com; open Monday and Tuesday from 8 am to 3 pm, Wednesday and Friday from 8 am to 7 pm, Thursday 8 am to 6:30 pm, Saturday 9 am to 7 pm, and Sunday 11 am to 6 pm.

Florida

Help Yourself is an extremely environmentally conscious restaurant serving mostly, but not exclusively, raw foods. They make excellent juices and use local coconuts. On Mondays they host an organic food market. Help Yourself, 829 Fleming Street, Key West, FL 33040; Tel: 305-296-7766; Web: www.helpyourselffoods.com; open every day from 8 am to 4 pm with an organic market on Mondays from noon to 7 pm.

Los Angeles
Planet Raw is an exclusively live-food restaurant using all organic ingredients with the exception of its Thai coconuts. It prides itself on its sustainability practices including the use of biodegradable packaging, beeswax candles, clay-painted, non-toxic walls, and environmentally-friendly cleaning products. Planet Raw, 609 Broadway, Santa Monica, CA, Tel: 310-587-1552; Web: www.planetraw.com; open 365 days a year, Sunday to Thursday from 9 am to 11 pm, Friday and Saturday from 9 am to 12 midnight.

New York City
One Lucky Duck and Pure Food and Wine are partner restaurants sharing a kitchen. Pure Food and Wine is a fancy, expensive restaurant serving lunch and dinner. One Lucky Duck, around the corner from Pure Food and Wine, is the funky sister serving desserts, smoothies, juices, and all lunch menu items from Pure Food and Wine. All dishes at One Lucky Duck are available to eat-in or take-out. Pure Food and Wine, 54 Irving Place (at 17th street, 1 block east of Union Sq.), NYC 10003; Tel: 212-477 1010; Web: www.oneluckyduck.com/purefoodandwine; open for lunch from 12 noon to 4 pm, dinner from 5:30 to 11 pm.
One Lucky Duck, 125 E. 17 St, NYC 10003; Tel: 212-477-7151; Web: www.oneluckyduck.com; open 7 days a week 9 am to 11 pm. Also at Chelsea Market, 425 W. 15 St (or enter on 9th Ave.), NYC; open Monday to Friday from 10 am to 9pm, Saturday 10 am to 8 pm, Sunday 10 am to 7 pm.

Caravan of Dreams serves organic, natural meals and half the menu is live-food. Caravan of Dreams, 405 East 6th St. (at 1st Ave), NYC; Tel: 212-254-1613; Web: www.caravanofdreams.net/#/Restaurant; open Sunday to Friday from 11 am to 11 pm, Saturday open until midnight—lunch and brunch are served until 5 pm.

Rockin’ Raw serves live, organic, vegan food employing a variety of cuisines including Peruvian and Creole. Rockin’ Raw, 178 North 8 Street, Brooklyn, NY 11211; Tel: 718-599-9333; Web: www.rockinraw.com; open Tuesday to Thursday from 12 noon to 10 pm, Friday and Saturday from 12 noon to 11 pm, and Sunday from 12 noon to 10 pm.

Texas
Beets Café serves all raw dishes for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Beets Living Foods Café, 5th Street Commons, 1611 W. 5th St., Suite 165, Austin, TX 78703; Tel: 512-477-2338; Web: www.beetscafe.com; open Monday to Wednesday from 8 am to 8 pm, Thursday and Friday 8 am to 9 pm, and Saturday 10 am to 9 pm.

Vermont

Vermont Fiddleheads Café serves smoothies, juices, sandwiches, desserts, kimchi and other fermented foods, that are all vegan, organic and local when possible, with free WiFi available. Vermont Fiddleheads Cafe, 18 Worcester Village Road, Worcester, VT; Tel: 802-223-2111, Web: www.vt-fiddle.com/rawfood/fiddle_heads_cafe.php; open Open Tuesday to Friday 12 noon to 6 pm, Saturday 12 noon to 4 pm.

London, England

Vantra Restaurant serves mostly, but not exclusively, raw foods. It is 100% vegan and most ingredients are organic. Vantra, 11-13 Soho Street, W1D 3DJ, London, UK (near the Tottenham Court Rd tube/subway station); Tel: (011 44) 20-7287-6060; Web: www.vantra.co.uk; open Monday to Saturday from 12 noon to 11 pm, Sunday from 12 noon to 8 pm.

Vitao Restaurant serves mostly, but not exclusively, raw foods. It is 100% vegan and most ingredients are organic. Vitao, 74 Wardour Street, W1F 0TE, London (near the Leicester Square tube/subway station); Tel: (011 44) 20 7734-8986; Web: www.vitaorganic.co.uk; open Monday to Saturday from 12 noon to 11 pm, Sunday from 12 noon to 9 pm.

The InSpiral Restaurant serves mostly, but not exclusively, raw foods. It is 100% vegan and most ingredients are organic, including 100% organic cocktails at the bar. InSpiral, 250 Camden High Street, NW1 8QS, London (Camden Town tube/subway); Tel: (011 44) 20 7428-5875; Web: www.inspiralled.net; open Monday to Thursday 10 am to 10 pm, Friday and Saturday 10 am to 2 am, Sunday 10 am to 11:30 pm.

Raw Food Health Centers

Tree of Life Rejuvenation Center, Dr. Gabriel Cousens;
Web: http://www.treeoflife.nu/home-index/

Hippocrates Health Institute, founded by Ann Wigmore & Viktoras Kulvinskas;
Web: www.hippocratesinst.org

Raw Resources

Supercharge Me—The Movie, by Jenna Norwood; Web: www.jennanorwood.com

Ani’s Raw Food Essentials: Recipes and Techniques for Mastering the Art of Live Food, by Ani Phyo (Da Capo Lifelong Books 2010)

The Body Ecology Diet: Recovering Your Health and Rebuilding Your Immunity, by Donna Gates (Body Ecology 2006), Web: http://bodyecology.com/

Green for Life, by Victoria Boutenko (North Atlantic Books 2010); Also by Victoria Boutenko: 12 Steps to Raw Foods; and The Green Smoothie Revolution

Living Raw Food: Get the Glow with More Recipes from Pure Food and Wine, by Matthew Kenney & Sarma Melngallis (William Morrow 2009)

Rainbow Green Live-Food Cuisine, by Gabriel Cousens, MD and the Tree of Life Café Chefs (North Atlantic Books 2003)

Raw: The Uncook Book: New Vegetarian Food for Life, by Juliano Brotman and Erika Lenkert (Regan Books, 1999)

Raw Food/Real World: 100 Recipes to Get the Glow, by Matthew Kenney & Sarma Melngallis (William Morrow 2005)

Also by Matthew Kenney, Everyday Raw; Entertaining in the Raw; Everyday Raw Desserts

The Sunfood Diet Success System (North Atlantic Books 2008); Superfoods (North Atlantic Books 2009), both by David Wolfe; Web: Web: www.davidwolfe.com

New Guide Format Online!

2010-08-15T16:39:00.003-04:00

The Guide has a new Online look! View at: http://issuu.com/greentravel/docs/althealthguide10-11

Pesticides and ADHD

2010-05-18T03:53:00.000-04:00

Yet another reason to seek out organic food and local farm stands....and this from mainstream researchers and press:
http://edition.cnn.com/2010/HEALTH/05/17/pesticides.adhd/index.html?hpt=T2

We are fortunate to have such an abundance of organic and good local foods in Vermont and New Hampshire, as well as the ability for many of us to grow our own!

Essential Oils to Fight Superbugs

2010-03-31T06:05:00.001-04:00

While information about the anti-microbial properties of essential oils has been around in the alternative-traditional-sustainable medicine worlds for a long time, research is just coming to light in the more mainstream allopathic realm. Researchers in Greece have found that the essential oils of Thyme and Cinnamon are especially effective in combatting otherwise resistant "super" strains of bacteria.

This information is critical in terms of our health care system and lack thereof. In Jane Buckle's excellent 2003 book, Clinical Aromatherapy, she details information about these important aspects and sites studies and clinical uses of essential oils for these purposes. The book is available at Buckle's Web site along with a host of other information, as well as on Amazon.com.

At the link below you can read the Science Daily article about the Greek findings.

Essential oils to fight superbugs

Another Source of Mercury Contamination - Oh Joy!

2010-03-12T04:26:00.000-05:00

I am not sure humans are ever going to quite "get" the mercury issue... it is insidious and on some level a contributing factor to many illnesses. While mercury-contaminated fish is already on the list of foods to eat in limited quantities (or not at all), some high fructose corn syrup (HFCS) has been found to be contaminated with mercury. While this was discovered over a year ago, and I wrote about it in a brief blog post last fall, a recent report from the Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy shows that of the brand-name products they tested containing high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS), over thirty percent were contaminated with mercury. There are plenty of other reasons to not eat foods containing high fructose corn syrup (HFCS), but this addition of mercury contamination adds a whole other level to the issues of food quality and safety, as well as long term health implications of diet.

Please visit the Health Observatory site of the Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy to view their full information about HFCS and Mercury Contamination and download the reports. For more information about the health effects of Mercury see the Guide Blog post about Vaccine Preservatives.

And for a more humorous educational experience be sure and check out King Corn a somewhat goofy but accurate documentary film about two college-age kids who set out to learn about corn by “adopting” a one acre plot in corn-country and seeing the cycle through harvest and commodity. The revelations about high-fructose corn syrup, cattle feed, food, and health are devastating, but they manage to do it so you keep laughing.

A Few Website additions to the Last Post

2010-02-24T14:42:00.000-05:00

I wanted to add some additional Web resources to the post Cancer - Mammograms, TKTL1 and Diet.
The TKTL1 Website is in English- a welcome relief no non-German speakers as even the wonders of Google Translate wear thin with information dense web sites. And the Coy-Principle Website , while also in German, offers some information not found on the regular Dr. Coy site.

Cancer - Mammograms, TKTL1 and Diet

2010-02-15T07:38:00.000-05:00

There is some interesting information surfacing about diagnostic tools for cancer. Devra Davis, PhD has written an excellent piece about mammograms on The Huffington Post, A Secret History of Mammography.

While mammograms may have their place and purpose, there are less problematic alternatives for screening such as ultrasound, more widely used in Europe. Dr. Johannes Coy, a German cancer researcher has developed a blood test for cancer, TKTL1. Dr. Johannes Coy’s anti-cancer (anti-Krebs in German) diet book is currently only available in German. For those curious and intrepid, you can find his book on Amazon.co.uk. The concept is that indeed diet can and does effect the growth of cancer. Dr. Coy's recommendations based on his research include a low-glycemic diet, with critical oils and proteins. Oil blends and other products can be found on the German Tavarlin Web site.

For those who do not speak or understand German, you will be ever thankful for Google Translate and although not perfect is most helpful for just this sort of situation.

Dr. Coy's work is groundbreaking and I hope will become more widely known in the United States and the world.

A truly public health plan is having access to ALL modalities and technologies, not just those dictated by insurance companies, politicians, pharmaceutical companies and narrow-minded physicians. There are a wealth of health care possibilities and people should be able to choose diagnostics and treatments just as they can choose religion, education, and appliance brands.

Ahhhh the Aroma of Bodily Wastes

2009-12-14T03:59:00.000-05:00

It seems like not too many years ago smelling bodily wastes as a diagnostic tool would have been dismissed as ridiculous and “primitive.” However I am happy to report that researchers at Warwick University in Coventry, UK are working with technology, developed interestingly by the auto industry, for examining odors in feces, as well as breath, urine and blood as a diagnostic tool for bowel disorders and other health conditions such as diabetes.

While these scientists are using “electronic noses”, not their own, they are working on an accurate, non-invasive and rapid way to analyze gut and overall health by examining fermentation in the gut, a critical aspect of health, attention to which has been lacking in mainstream medicine.

For more information visit the Warwick University Institute of Advanced Study and the Warwick University News.

Clipart courtesy FCIT

Cave Therapy for Lungs and Sinuses

2009-12-11T06:32:00.000-05:00

I find myself quite intrigued with the therapeutic qualities of salt caves. A simple, low-tech therapy (especially when done in natural caves), salt caves have been used in Eastern Europe and Russia for hundred of years for treating lung and nasal illnesses, particularly asthma and allergies.

Called Speleotherapy, cave therapy involves spending an hour or longer in an underground natural salt or karst (limestone) cave where the combination of minerals and electronegative charge are particularly conducive to treating chronic and allergic respiratory conditions. People suffering from such ailments are recommended to do cave sessions every day for two to three weeks as a whole treatment.

Halotherapy does not involve angels as the name might imply, but is rather therapy in fabricated caves, using special technology that aerosolizes salt, mimicking the natural salt caves. Halotherapy is becoming increasingly popular in the United States and Europe, where spas and clinics are installing fabricated salt caves to be used for allergy and asthma sufferers, as well as for relaxation and preventative care.

Research has found that sodium chloride (salt) especially when delivered with negative ions is beneficial for lungs and sinuses and is mucolytic, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and an immune system modulator.

Natural Caves include the Bystrianska cave in Banská Bystrica, Slovakia and the Underground Rehabilitation and Treatment Centre, an independent healthcare facility that is part of the Wieliczka Salt Mine Tourist Route (Kopalnia Soli Wieliczka – Trasa Tusrystyczna) in Poland.

You can find fabricated Halotherapy Salt “Caves" in Rutland, VT, Williamsburg, VA, Illinois, Florida, and other locations in the United States, as well as in London and Lincolnshire, UK. Dr. Margaret Smiechowski, a native of Poland, has brought her knowledge of salt caves to the United States where she is considered an expert in salt therapy installations. For more information about her work see http://www.saltcavevt.com or visit the website of the Pyramid Holistic Wellness Center in Rutland Vermont.

Indium is a company in Estonia that manufactures salt rooms and individual salt “cocoons” – sort of like saunas but rather than heat you are getting aerosolized salt therapy. Indium Top LLC, Paldiski Road 68, Tallinn, 10617 Estonia; Tel: +372 6715 774; Email: iiris@salt-therapy.eu; Web: http://www.salt-therapy.eu

Good News on Swine Flu

2009-12-11T05:49:00.000-05:00

BBC news headline on Thursday December 10th was "Swine Flu Less Lethal Than Feared".

65% of French Nurses Refuse Swine Flu Shot

2009-11-23T05:00:00.000-05:00

The take on the swine flu and swine flu vaccines in Europe is interesting. Even though every country seems to have their "Gripe" campaign encouraging vaccinations, there is quite a bit of resistance and uncertainty about the efficacy and safety of the vaccine. In France, the French Nurses Union (SNPI) has reported that 65% of French nurses are refusing to get the vaccine, and they found nurses and doctors in other countries had similar reservations. A translated version of their news release can be found here.

A Spanish nun, Teresa Forcades, formerly a physician has come out with an informative and interesting video (allow time to watch it as it is just shy of an hour) about the history of flu viruses and the concerns she has about the implications of possible mandatory vaccination laws. To view the subtitled version click here.

Jane Burgermeister, an Austrian journalist has filed lawsuits against two Austrian pharmaceutical companies citing contaminated vaccines. She is also working on suits against the World Health Organization (WHO) and others claiming far-reaching and devastating conspiracies. While some may find Burgermeister's take on the flu vaccine situation straight out of a Dan Brown novel, she is undertaking a daunting task, challenging such enormous, powerful, and potentially dangerous health conglomerates. To read in depth about her theories and legal cases see her Web site The Flu Case.

The bottom line is everyone should have the freedom and right to make choices about their own health care based on full disclosure of information not fear-mongering. If people can make choices like whether to smoke cigarettes, take drugs, drink copious amounts of soda and sugar, and eat unhealthy-fat laden foods, it seems reasonable that people should also be able to choose whether or not they want to shoot potentially harmful (and untested) ingredients into their bodies, without fear of reprisals, like loss of jobs, sick days or other disproportionate penalties.

Upper Valley Harp Therapist

2009-10-30T12:21:00.000-04:00

Jenny Gelfan and PJ Morgan, owners of The Massage Center - Healing Arts Associates in Norwich, are pleased to announce that Pat Stebbins has joined their staff as a harp therapist.

To welcome Pat to The Massage Center and to introduce people to healing harp music, Pat will give a concert on Sunday, November 15th at 5 pm at The Massage Center, 8 Carpenter Street, Norwich. The concert is free, but reservations are requested as space is limited. Please call 802-649-1149 to make your reservation.

Pat has loved and studied music since the age of three, starting with the
piano. She played French horn throughout high school and college, along
with various elusive Rennaissance instruments, and guitar. She majored in
voice in college and has a BA in music performance.

Patricia Stebbins took up the harp at age 33 after regretfully casting the
Highland Pipes down in favor of a quieter way to celebrate her Scottish
heritage.

Wanting to do more with music, in 2007 she began her studies with Bedside
Harp, a harp therapy certification program based in Bucks County, PA, and
in August 2009 became a Certified Harp Therapist, Hospital Intensive. She
feels this is a way to give back some of the joy and healing music has
brought into her own life.

After the concert, Pat will be available on Fridays at The Massage Center for harp therapy alone or in conjuction with massage or other treatments. Appointments can be made by calling 802-649-1149.

When not harping, Pat still sings for the fun of it, takes much joy in
being a grandmother, and shares her life with her tiny dog and her old
Quarter Horse gelding. She has released one recording, "Heroes and
Friends" and another is in the works. She lives in the Upper Valley, on
the Vermont side of the river.

Cell phones and Possible Cancer - It's true

2009-10-29T10:25:00.000-04:00

A study about the safety of mobile phones ten years in the works by the World Health Organization (WHO) is to be released later this year. The sneak preview as reported by the London Daily Telegraph is what many have suspected – that long term and heavy users of cell phones have a significantly higher risk of brain cancer.

Russia, Israel, and Sweden have also done studies with similar results and all warn against the use of mobile phones by children and teens since the studies have found a five-fold increase in the risk of brain tumors in users of this age range. Canada has issued warnings suggesting that children and young adults limit their usage to no more than ten minutes a day.

In light of this it is recommended that people use hands-free technologies like speaker-phones or headsets, but not the wireless headsets, rather the plug in type - see photo.

See the Daily Telegraph story for more details and stay tuned for the full final report from the WHO.

Eat that Curry!

2009-10-28T06:54:00.000-04:00

While known in the ancient healing system of Ayurveda for their many medicinal properties, turmeric and its components are getting new recognition in the world of medicine. Researchers at the Cork Cancer Research Centre in Cork, Ireland have been studying curcumin with exciting results. A component of turmeric, curcumin has been found to kill some cancer cells in twenty-fours.Information about the findings can be found on the Centre's web site, and much of the story can be found at the BBC news link posted today http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/8328377.stm.

The Research Centre is also exploring the use of probiotics in colorectal cancer prevention and treatment. The Web site is worth checking out and passing on to whomever is interested in innovative cancer research - the Cork Cancer Research Centre - http://www.ccrc.ie

Curry never looked so delicious.

Indulgence or Health Care?

2009-10-26T12:44:00.000-04:00

I highly recommend trying bodywork or spa therapies while traveling as it really gives you a whole other view into a culture. For those of you who follow my Traveling Naturally blog, you might remember my somewhat comical post about a spa-massage experience I had in Provence, France almost two years ago. In Avignon I tried a Hammam-Spa-Massage package which consisted of a steam room, warm Jacuzzi and massage. Since that was so restorative, I decided to try the Hammam + Masaje (Hammam with Massage) here in Valencia, Spain. Thanks to the French spa, I was a bit prepared for the initial part of my spa session. Waiting for me in a neat pile on a bench by my locker was a towel - much larger than its French counterpart, and a disposable thong and slippers. So once again in all my middle-aged glory (or not so glorious as the case may be) I donned my basically non-existent groin-cloth and padded my way into an atmospheric room lit with candles and with soothing music playing in the background. Sweet Laresa brought me a warm infusion (herbal tea) and told me to relax. I sat naked (does a disposable thong really count as clothing? I think not) in a sling chair sipping my unusual and comforting brew.

Laresa reappeared in a short unitard, and instructed me to lie down, face up, on the massage table that was covered with a plastic sheet she had just thrown warm water on....hmmm this was going to be interesting. Indeed, and heavenly - I was basically rinsed, washed, massaged, scrubbed from head and hair to toe with giant piles of bubbles layered on my torso as a sort of cover. Once this luxurious cleansing was complete, Laresa had me move into a large bathtub filled with bubbly warm water. I lay soaking for a few minutes and then she escorted me to the nearby shower where I was told to alternate between hot and cold rinses. This was all divine, and I felt wonderful. I assumed my appointment was complete, having lost all sense of time. When I turned off the water and came out of the shower, Laresa appeared as if by magic and told me to dry off, wrap my hair in a towel, put on a new, dry thong and slippers and her colleague would come retrieve me for my massage. I could hardly believe my ears.

Sure enough, a lovely young woman appeared and led me down a dimly lit hallway into a cozy massage room. Here she massaged my whole body for what seemed a deliciously long amount of time, and spent an extensive amount of time on my head and face which were in dire need as I have taken to some kind of jaw clenching as part of my hormonal changes.

While different in many of the particulars of my French spa experience, the overall effect was quite similar - that is I felt quite nourished, nurtured, restored and rejuvenated. And while part of my brain was thinking of this as an indulgence, the rest of my brain and whole body were feeling the clear and absolute health benefits. This is truly health care - not sick care. This is treating the body well, taking care of it, investing in it, and allowing it to receive.

Imagine if this is what we were hoping to give everyone a right to....... how different the world would be.

This particular experience took place at the Navarro Spa Catala, Arzobispo Mayoral 11, 46001 Valencia Spain; Tel: 963 524 334; www.navarrospacatala.com

The Hand to Heart Project Benefit Concert

2009-10-22T03:48:00.000-04:00

Please share this information with everyone you think might be interested in supporting this local non-profit offering critical services in the Upper Valley:

The Hand to Heart Project, the Upper Valley nonprofit that provides massage and compassionate touch to people with advanced cancer, will stage a benefit concert this fall to help raise money for the services it provides.

Two outstanding performers will be on stage: Zuleikha is a storydancer from New Mexico who weaves many styles of dance with stories from around the world. She works internationally as both performer and teacher. And Eugene Friesen is a Grammy Award-winning cellist from Vermont who has been playing with the Paul Winter Consort, Trio Globo and other groups for years. He is a master of improvisation, a truly wonderful artist. He is on the faculty of the Berklee School of Music in Boston, and is an artist-in-residence at the Cathedral or St. John the Divine in NYC.

The show is Saturday, November 14, at Flickinger Arts Center in Meriden, N.H., on the campus of Kimball Union Academy. Tickets are $30. For information about Hand to Heart or to order tickets, contact Steve Gordon at (603) 542-8367, or visit their Web site, www.handtoheartproject.org

An Unforunate but Important Note About Vaccines

2009-10-21T09:17:00.000-04:00

This is a gem straight from the CDC website about vaccine additives - http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/vac-gen/additives.htm- "All routinely recommended pediatric vaccines manufactured for the U.S. market contain no thimerosal or only trace amounts."

Really-- how can they say contains NO thimerosal and then say "or only trace amounts"? As if like the slurring of words at the end of a sentence they are hoping no one will hear.... no mercury... or only trace amounts...shhhh, be wary wary quiet....and maybe no one will notice...

This from a School Nurse on the west coast: "There are nine different types of H1N1 vaccines, three of them are made with Thimerasol. Six are Thimerasol "free", or are they? My question is if they can make the vaccine without it why make ANY that have Thimerasol in it?"

Good question, especially when you are talking about Thimerasol, a mercury based preservative.

Please see the Guide blog post regarding mercury in vaccines - http://alternativehealthguides.blogspot.com/2007/10/more-headlines-vaccine-preservative.html

And if you are choosing do get the H1N1 vaccine, ask for Thimerasol-free.

Herb Stores in Spain and one with a Particular Story

2009-09-28T08:40:00.000-04:00

Herbolarios and herboristerias are common in Spain and even though what Americans would consider alternative health care has only started to really blossom in Spain in the last few years, these, usually small, stores have been practicing herbal and nutritional medicine for what seems like forever.

While I was out walking in Valencia Spain, I came upon a an herboristeria advertising herbal preparations by Maurice Messegue. It is unusual to see mention of Maurice Messegue so it caught my attention.

Messegue was an herbalist and natural healer from a small village in France who went on to treat famous people and be persecuted by the authorities. He wrote a number of books including Of Men and Plants, (Macmillan, 1973) which has appendices on his herbal preparations and growing tips for herb gardens. Laboratoires Messegue makes herbal preparations based on his work see http://www.messegue.com.

I had a specific herbal tincture I was looking for and had no success at the other stores I had tried. So I went in asking for uno extracto de Artemisia. The very nice storekeeper explained (all in Spanish) that she had no extractos, only herbs for infusiones (infusions or teas) and she did not have the kind of Artemisia I wanted. She pulled out one of her many wooden drawers filled with bags of herbs and showed me what she had.

As I was saying no thank you, she was continuing to talk in Spanish about the qualities and uses of the Artemisia she did stock, when I heard something about menopause, my ears perked up. Hmm, maybe I should reconsider. So I said, “Si, por favor”. She noticed my chronic reddish rash around my mouth and nose and was telling me how I should not eat trigo (wheat) or leche de vaca (cow milk). I assured her that I ate neither already.

She mixed up a personal tea blend of Artemisia vulgaris, sage, yarrow and mint with instructions for my daily use. She also handed me a foil sample pack of an aloe vera preparation to use directly on my rashy skin.

I left the little herboristeria quite impressed and continued on my errands. Once home, I dutifully made my tea and used the natural aloe vera sample. Well it was all somewhat miraculous, as the aloe vera worked beautifully on my skin, and the tea made me feel better within less than 24 hours.

I went back to the store to see if I could buy a larger container of the aloe vera product. As I was paying for my gel she noticed my change purse, a cloth zippered bag made in Nepal with an Om sign embroidered on it.

Standing behind the counter in her doctor-like white jacket, she became excited and started showing me all of her spiritual pictures and telling me (all in Spanish) that she meditates and chants Om. She then showed me a darling little book, El Corazon de Asia (The Heart of Asia) written by writer, painter and traveler Nicolas Roerich (see English version at http://www.roerich.org/nr.html?mid=wrtgs ). She leafed through the pages pointing out the photographs of sacred places in Tibet, Ladakh and other Asian countries where Roerich and his family had traveled almost ninety years ago. She was waxing poetic I am sure although I was only getting the gist of what she was saying about the mysticism, connections and beauty of the places and the quality of the spirit.

Our hearts connected and we held hands. She asked what my name was and when I asked hers this herbalist and light-filled person answered, “Remedias."

Free Workshop - Three Dimensional Bodywork for Practitioners

2009-09-26T03:32:00.000-04:00

Three Dimensional Bodywork: Going beyond the Anterior and Posterior Dicotomy

taught by Lisa M. Harbus

Lisa Harbus is offering an informational evening where she will introduce bodywork that has a strong structural focus, as well as a playful approach to positioning and emphasis on deep anatomical awareness. This work is not only profoundly effective for the client, it is also designed to be bio-mechanically efficient for the practitioner. This course itself will be presented in a monthly format over the course of 4 meetings.

The free class will be held on Monday, October 19, 6:30 at The Massage Center - Healing Arts Associates, 8 Carpenter St., Norwich, VT - RSVP 802-649-1149

Managing Back Pain Lecture in Norwich

2009-09-23T03:05:00.001-04:00

On September 30th Court Vreeland, DC, Jenny Gelfan, LMT and Eric Ellingson, PT will be presenting information about managing back pain. The panelists will share different points of view, as well as recommendations for coordinating a team of health care professionals for the most effective pain management approach. There will be time for questions from the audience following the presentations.

The lecture will start at 6:30 at the Norwich Inn on Wednesday September 30th. The cost is $25. Seating is limited so call for reservations at the The Massage Center at 802-649-1149.

Another Reason to Avoid High Fructose Corn Syrup

2009-09-22T01:58:00.002-04:00

This article link about mercury in high fructose corn syrup is from the beginning of the year - January 2009, but is nevertheless important: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/01/26/AR2009012601831.html?

It is interesting to note that in Canada and Europe, and actually I suspect all countries except the United States, high fructose corn syrup is not used in sodas and other products. It is pretty much exclusively a U.S. product and ingredient.

For those with an hour to spare, I recommend the humorous and educational film, King Korn.

And remember to read those labels - it is astounding what high fructose corn syrup turns up in.

H1N1 and Vaccine information

2009-09-21T10:30:00.003-04:00

Since any discussion about H1N1 invariably leads to the issue of the flu vaccine, I would like to remind everyone that at the Links section of the Alternative Health Guides web site there is a section VACCINE INFORMATION RESOURCES with links to six excellent sites focusing on vaccines and health issues.

As long ago as 1902, a Dr. John Hodge was expressing outrage at the use of vaccines - at that time for smallpox. He says in The Vaccination Superstition, "Think of the unparalleled absurdity of deliberately infecting the organism of a healthy child, in this era of sanitary science and aseptic surgery, with the poisonous matter obtained from a sore on a diseased calf, under the pretense of protecting the victim of the ingrafted disease against the contagion of another disease! Can inconsistency go farther than this? Inoculating an indeterminate lot of microbes into a healthy organism under aseptic precautions! ' Ladies and gentlemen of this society, just think of it"

If we could sort out the fear mongering and profit motives from the health care industry we might possibly start to get some sound information. Until then, we must rely on our own information research, personal judgement and choice, and healthy lifestyle.

More H1N1

2009-09-19T02:13:00.002-04:00

Local Lymph Drainage and Occupational Therapist, Liz Blum, shared that the Organic Consumers Association (a site chock-a-block of all kinds of useful information) has a page on their web site devoted to swine and avian flu with many resources and links including an historical time line of flus to put the greater information in perspective. They also have links to homepathic remedy suggestions and they track news relating to the flu from all over the world. http://organicconsumers.org/flu.cfm.

A site in the UK, What Doctors Don't Tell You, offers alternative news on the H1N1 and many other health issues at http://www.wddty.com.

H1N1 thoughts

2009-09-18T05:46:00.003-04:00

I have just heard that in my home town in Vermont they are getting ready to hand out free surgical masks as a flu control method. While I applaud low tech and prevention minded tactics, I do feel as though there is some fear mongering being generated by someone about the H1N1 flu– I am not really sure who – the press, the vaccine manufacturers? What I observe is that we have flus every winter and some are really very awful and last for what seems like longer than the typical course of the H1N1 flu. No one hands out surgical masks for these.

It is interesting to me that while some studies show that fear decreases the immune system, that there is so much fear being generated about this particular strain of flu.

One college administrator being interviewed on National Public Radio was asked what his biggest concern was with the H1N1 flu and he gave an excellent answer, which was that he thought that the H1N1 flu was an uncomfortable, but in most cases, self-limiting illness. What he was really afraid of was that due to all the hype about H1N1 that his college staff, and possibly medical teams, would miss really very serious and dangerous illnesses like meningitis.

One good thing about all the H1N1 alerts is that some of the information is very sound and what I would hope people would do whether they have H1N1, or “seasonal” flu, or any other illness.

The first is take care of your self and stay home so you can get better quickly and so you do not share whatever you have with coworkers and friends.

The second is wash your hands frequently especially if you are out in public, and using public keyboards or washrooms.

I would add to these very basic, simple, common sense recommendations, to stay well hydrated, get plenty of sleep, eat well, including plenty of vegetables and fruits, and avoid or minimize sugar. In addition the natural stand-by of vitamin C, while dismissed by conventional medicine, can be very handy in minimizing colds and other illnesses.

I would also recommend general health care maintenance. This might be a good time to have regular appointments with the health practitioners you find helpful – acupuncturist, TCM, massage therapist or bodyworker, chiropractor, naturopath, herbalist, homeopath, yoga, Tai Chi, or Pilates instructor. Search the Guide web site for local Upper Valley practitioners.

The CDC web site dedicated to H1N1 - http://www.cdc.gov/H1N1flu/qa.htm - offers some general information as well as what some of the warning signs are for more dangerous symptoms that may require more attention than just bed rest and at-home remedies. It also offers useful information about cleaning and contagion duration.

Here’s hoping for a healthy, and flu-free fall and winter!

Another Bit of News from The Massage Center

2009-08-18T10:36:00.001-04:00

Jenny Gelfan and PJ Morgan, owners of The Massage Center - Healing Arts Associates, welcome Melissa Burmaster to their staff of associates.

Melissa has been a massage practitioner since 2000. One of her specialties is cranial-sacral work. She also is trained and experienced in Swedish massage, deep tissue, reiki, reflexology, hot stone, aromatherapy and lymphatic massage techniques. She received her basic massage training in this area, and returned to the Upper Valley last year after working at spas in California for 7 years.

Melissa is known for her energetic and warm personality. She is a tai chi teacher and also does chi kung. As their sixth healing arts associate, Melissa is helping The Massage Center to be open 7 days a week. She has appointment hours both weekdays and weekends.

"We are pleased to have someone with her skills and enthusiasm join us," said Jenny. PJ added, "Melissa's deep tissue treatment is terrific." Melissa commented, "This is a perfect place for my bodywork practice."

Herbalist Offers Workshop Series in Norwich

2009-08-18T10:34:00.001-04:00

Guest Announcement from The Massage Center in Norwich, Vermont---

Taya Elisabeth, a holistic medical practitioner, will give a series of herbal workshops at The Massage Center - Healing Arts Associates in Norwich during August, September and October. The four sessions can be taken individually or together as a course.

The first workshop will be Beginning Herbal Tincture Making on Thursday, August 20th from 6 - 8 p.m.. This workshop costs $25 if taken by itself. The series of workshops costs $80. To enroll in one or all, please contact The Massage Center - Healing Arts Associates at 802-649-1149.

The second workshop, "Herbal Tea Making," will be held on Thursday, September 3rd from 6 - 8 p.m.. This workshop costs $25 if taken by itself.

The third workshop is entitled "Herbal Combinations" and will take place on Thursday, September 17th from 6 - 8 p.m.. This workshop costs $25 if taken by itself.

The last of the workshop series will be "Finishing Herbal Tincture Making" and will be on Sunday, October 4th from 2 - 4 p.m.. For people who previously took only the Beginning Herbal Tincture Making workshop, this workshop costs $25, and it is not open to people who were not at the first.

Taya Elisabeth began studying herbs as a teenager, and has continued her studies through a Bachelors in Holistic Health and Masters in Oriental Medicine. Though she specializes in Chinese herbs, she grows and also "stalks" herbs here in her native Vermont, and shares her love of plants and their healing properties.

Taya's workshops are lively and fun. She says these will be hands on and practical with plenty of take-home handouts and herbal concoctions. Enrollment will be limited, so early sign-up is suggested.

To enroll in one or all of the workshops, please contact The Massage Center - Healing Arts Associates at 802-649-1149. If you have questions, please call to talk with Taya. For more information about Taya and The Massage Center - Healing Arts Associates, visit the website at www.themassagecenternorwich.com

Alternative & Complementary Treatments for Mesothelioma

2009-07-17T17:03:00.003-04:00

This article is provided by guest blogger Richard Moyle of The Mesothelioma Center, dedicated to providing information and resources about Mesothelioma, a cancer caused by asbestos exposure.

While many advocates of conventional medicine are still skeptical over the effectiveness of alternative medical treatments, the use of complementary and alternative treatments is becoming more and more accepted. Those who suffer from asbestos-related illnesses like asbestosis or mesothelioma are beginning to discover that many alternative treatments can alleviate the pain and other side effects that conventional treatments can sometimes cause.

Mesothelioma is a rare and aggressive cancer that is primarily caused by exposure to a substance called asbestos. The symptoms of this type of cancer can lay dormant for anywhere from 20 to 50 years after initial exposure to asbestos. Because of this, the cancer is typically diagnosed in its later stages when treatment options are more limited. The typical mesothelioma survival rate is about one year after diagnosis.

There are a number of alternative and complementary treatments that can (at the very least) ease the pain and other symptoms of the disease, as well as the sometimes negative side effects that come with conventional cancer treatments like chemotherapy. Acupuncture, for example, can provide relief from chronic pain, inflammation, anxiety, and stress and it is one of the most widely-accepted alternative therapies in use today. In fact, acupuncture has become so widely accepted that some health insurance companies actually cover it.

Meditation has also been known as a great way to reduce feelings of stress, anxiety, and depression. Currently, there is also evidence that meditation can help manage pain and other disease symptoms. Many people with cancer who include meditation in their treatment program find the practice helps relieve pain, stress, and anxiety. Some studies have even shown that meditation may be able to slow tumor growth and improve patient prognosis.

Dietary supplements like vitamins, minerals, herbs, and amino acids can also be a big help for those who suffer from asbestos-related diseases. Vitamins, minerals, and amino acids are all required by the body to perform essential life functions, and supplements can help provide needed chemicals when diet alone cannot. Many herbs can be useful in treating diseases and conditions, as well as provide symptomatic relief. For example, flaxseed, ginseng, and garlic are all known to reduce blood pressure.

While all these types of alternative and complementary treatments may be helpful to sufferers of mesothelioma and asbestosis, it is always important that you discuss any new treatments with your doctor before proceeding. Especially in the case of dietary supplements, as some of them may react badly with prescription medications.

Center for Sustainable Medicine

2009-06-19T18:07:00.001-04:00

The Center for Sustainable Medicine was established over a year ago by local homeopath and acupuncturist, Didi Pershouse, to frame a new (and old) paradigm for personal and planetary health. Visit the website: http://sustainablemedicine.org

Sustainable Medicine Manifesto

1. Sustainable Medicine recognizes that we are part of something larger than ourselves: a complex system, known to us as the universe, the ecosystem, the web of life, or Gaia.
-This system seeks balance through interdependence, and constant change.

2. Sustainable Medicine sees the body as its own ecosystem, and recognizes that all parts of a system are linked and collaborative.
-Our bodies are a micro-system, reflective of and included within the whole.

3. Sustainable Medicine teaches that the health of the environment is intricately linked to the health of our bodies.
-Therefore, to care for the environment is part of caring for ourselves and others.

4. From the perspective of Sustainable Medicine, connection with the ecosystem is essential to health. Disease is a manifestation of lack of connection.
-Each disconnection that occurs leads to a loss of power, integrity, flexibility and energy—both for that part and for the whole system.
-This lack of connection separates us from ourselves, each other, and the source of our life.

5. Therefore, to create health, one must restore connection.
Sustainable Medicine does this by:
-Acknowledging that networks, relationships and communities exist at every level.
-Facilitating deep communication, understanding and cooperation within and between them.
-Respecting the integrity and wisdom of community networks by using local medicines and knowledge whenever possible and appropriate.

-Reconnecting people with the inherent wisdom and support of the social and natural communities that surround them.

6. Sustainable Medicine operates best in environments that are fertile, rather than sterile.
-It does this by encouraging honest, open-hearted, and evenly-balanced relationships between healers and the communities they serve.
-And by recognizing that healthy communities are built through relationship, including cross-pollination of ideas, populations and coping mechanisms to create the diversity and flexibility that ensures survival in times of crisis.

7. Health depends also on our ability to honor wildness, which has its own wisdom and integrity.
-Sustainable Medicine therefore seeks to restore the integrity, power and sanctity of wild places—from the internal flora and fauna of the body, to the microorganisms of the soils, to the vast tracts of wilderness that plants, animals and fungi depend on for survival, diversity and well-being.

8. Sustainable Medicine is pattern-based in its thought and action.
-When disease occurs, Sustainable Medicine gathers information from the whole system, looking for patterns and cycles, not just individually occurring symptoms.
-When looking at a single part, it looks deeply: for within each part, the whole is reflected as well.
-In its treatments, Sustainable Medicine works within the patterns and cycles of nature, recognizing that the system, when allowed to move freely and without obstruction, will naturally flow towards balance.
-Sustainable Medicine also respects and accepts that cycles of growth, decline, transformation, and regeneration are natural and essential to the health and balance of the entire system.
9. Sustainable Medicine is inherently sustainable.
-It does not deplete resources or excessively drain one part of the whole to benefit another.
-It does not add to the toxic waste stream, creating further illness.
-It is affordable to learn, to practice and to use.
-Care is available to all parts of the system

10. Sustainable Medicine is “slow” medicine.
-It begins with deep listening and understanding.
-It allows time for deep and lasting cures.

–Didi Pershouse 2007
The Center for Sustainable Medicine

Monthly SWAP

2009-06-17T20:56:00.002-04:00

It is monthly SWAP time. This month I am referring to the last SWAP post as that listing is still current with only a few sales. Please see: http://alternativehealthguides.blogspot.com/2009/05/swap-today.html for a list of items for sale. And if you have items you want to post please email them to the Guide at: info@thealternativehealthguides.com. have a great month!

In UK, a Nod to Acupuncture

2009-06-17T20:46:00.004-04:00

The National Health Service (NHS) in the UK has announced that they will be offering patients suffering from back pain some choices other than physician visits and pain medications for their care. Under the new guidelines, back-pain sufferers can choose to attend exercise classes, have acupuncture, or receive spinal manipulation from an osteopath or chiropractor. These new benefits are based on findings that these therapies are beneficial to people with back pain, and offer practitioners around the globe recognition of their valuable and useful work.
CHEERS!

SWAP - TODAY

2009-05-15T08:54:00.005-04:00

SWAP
A monthly service from The Alternative Health Guides. Reuse, Recycle, ENJOY!!

SWAP
SIGNATURE HOT STONE MASSAGE SET W/CHAKRA STONES
Never used, mostly unopened
Massage Warehouse Price $199.99
Will sell for $150 or BRO.

Package Includes:
• 50 Hand-Picked Massage Stones (2 Extra Large, 6 Large, 18 Medium, 16
Small, and 8 Toe)
• Deluxe Massage Stone Heating Unit
• Hot Stone Massage DVD
• Ladle
• Pocket-Sized Thermometer
• 8 Semi-Precious Chakra Stones

For a picture and full description see this link:
http://www.massagewarehouse.com/Product/hot-stone/signature%2Dhot%2Dstone%2Dmassage%2Dset%2Dw%2Dchakra/281+0026

Contact Lynne Walker at massage@lynnewalker.com or 603-252-6664.

SWAP

EXCELLENT BOOKS - Used Bodywork & Health titles. Prices are lower than the lowest-used price for the book on Amazon. To purchase please E-mail: info@thealternativehealthguides.com

Anatomy of Hatha Yoga: A Manual for Students, Teachers, and Practitioners, Coulter. Hardcover 1st ed. - $20

Craniosacral Therapy, Upledger. Hardcover (New $59.95) - $32

Craniosacral Therapy II: Beyond the Dura, Upledger. Hardcover (New $49.95) - $22

An Introduction to Craniosacral Therapy, Cohen (New 19.95) - $ 9

SomatoEmotional Release, Upledger. Hardcover (New $35) - $20

Clinical Pathology for the Professional Bodyworker, Newton, DC, Spiral
(limited copies – on Amazon for $45) - $15

Pathology A-Z: Handbook for Massage Therapists,
2nd edition, Spiral, Premkumar w/CD - $25

New Bach Flower Body Maps, Kramer - $15

The Massage Connection: Anatomy, Physiology & Pathology,
1st ed. Spiral, Premkumar - $ 9

The Complete Illustrated Guide to Reflexology, Inge Dougans - $ 9

Reflexology: An Illustrated Guide, Crane - $ 2

The Reflexology Manual, Wills - $ 3

The Endless Web: Fascial Anatomy & Physical Reality, Schultz - $ 9

Spinal Manipulation Made Simple, Maitland - $ 8 SOLD

Beard’s Massage, 4th edition, Domenico - $ 5

Rapid Review Anatomy Reference Guide, Anatomical Chart Company, Spiral - $ 4

AMMA Therapy: A Complete Textbook of Oriental Bodywork & Medical Principles, Sohn, Hardback (New $45) - $20

Understanding Nutrition Textbook, 7th edition, Whitney & Rolfes, Hardback - $15

Strength Training Anatomy: Your Illustrated Guide to Muscles at Work,
Delavier - $10

Clinical Neuroanatomy Made Ridiculously Simple, Goldberg, MD - $ 5 SOLD

The Herb Book, Boxer & Back (oversized paperback) - $ 6

Hot Tubs: How to Build, Maintain & Enjoy Your Own Winter & Summer, All Year Round
(Cult book sells for $39-60 on Amazon) - $10

Individual Reference File of Extracts from the Edgar Cayce Readings,
Cayce. Hardback - $10

The Wharton's Stretch Book: Active-Isolated Stretching, Wharton - $4

Sport Stretch: 311 Stretches for 41 Sports, 2nd ed., Alter - $3.50

Acupuncture Without Needles, Cerney, DC - $ 3

Healing Words: The Power of Prayer and the Practice of Medicine, Dossey - $3

The Royal Treatment: How You Can Take Home the Pleasures
of the Great Luxury Spas, Capellini - $ 1

Business Mastery 3: A Guide for Creating a Fulfilling, Thriving Business &
Keeping It Successful, 3rd ed., Sohnen-Moe - $10

Books for .50¢:
Shiatsu: Japanese Massage for Health & Fitness, Liechti

Healing Massage Techniques: A Study of Eastern & Western Methods, Tappan SOLD

Optimal Muscle Recovery, Burke

Spa-Finders Guide to Spa Vacations, Joseph

Traveler’s Guide to Healing Centers & Retreats, Rudee

Sanctuaries: The Northeast, Kelly

The Pilates Powerhouse, Winsor

Creating Health, Chopra

Talking Back to Prozac, Breggin, MD

SWAP - A New Guide-Blog Feature

2009-05-08T11:46:00.007-04:00

In the spirit of reuse and recycle, The Alternative Health Guides is launching a new feature called SWAP. Once a month The Alternative Health Guides Blog will post items for sale. The SWAP listings are free to practitioners listed in the Guide. For all others, SWAP listings cost $5 for each month items are listed.

If you have items you want listed, please email them to info@thealternativehealthguides.com by Friday May 15th.

SWAP

The following is a list of Like-New, Used, Bodywork & Health Books from the Alternatives Health Guides collection. Prices are lower than the lowest-used price for the book on Amazon. Please E-mail the Guide: info@thealternativehealthguides.com to purchase any of the titles.

Anatomy of Hatha Yoga: A Manual for Students, Teachers, and Practitioners, Coulter. Hardcover 1st ed. - $20

Craniosacral Therapy, Upledger. Hardcover (New $59.95) - $32

Craniosacral Therapy II: Beyond the Dura, Upledger. Hardcover (New $49.95) - $22

An Introduction to Craniosacral Therapy, Cohen (New 19.95) - $ 9

SomatoEmotional Release, Upledger. Hardcover (New $35) - $20

Clinical Pathology for the Professional Bodyworker, Newton, DC, Spiral
(limited copies – on Amazon for $45) - $15

Pathology A-Z: Handbook for Massage Therapists,
2nd edition, Spiral, Premkumar w/CD - $25

New Bach Flower Body Maps, Kramer - $15

The Massage Connection: Anatomy, Physiology & Pathology,
1st ed. Spiral, Premkumar - $ 9

The Complete Illustrated Guide to Reflexology, Inge Dougans - $ 9

Reflexology: An Illustrated Guide, Crane - $ 2

The Reflexology Manual, Wills - $ 3

The Endless Web: Fascial Anatomy & Physical Reality, Schultz - $ 9

Spinal Manipulation Made Simple, Maitland - $ 8

Beard’s Massage, 4th edition, Domenico - $ 5

Rapid Review Anatomy Reference Guide, Anatomical Chart Company, Spiral - $ 4

AMMA Therapy: A Complete Textbook of Oriental Bodywork & Medical Principles, Sohn, Hardback (New $45) - $20

Understanding Nutrition Textbook, 7th edition, Whitney & Rolfes, Hardback - $15

Strength Training Anatomy: Your Illustrated Guide to Muscles at Work,
Delavier - $10

Clinical Neuroanatomy Made Ridiculously Simple, Goldberg, MD - $ 5

The Herb Book, Boxer & Back (oversized paperback) - $ 6

Hot Tubs: How to Build, Maintain & Enjoy Your Own Winter & Summer, All Year Round
(Cult book sells for $39-60 on Amazon) - $10

Individual Reference File of Extracts from the Edgar Cayce Readings,
Cayce. Hardback - $10

The Wharton's Stretch Book: Active-Isolated Stretching, Wharton - $4

Sport Stretch: 311 Stretches for 41 Sports, 2nd ed., Alter - $3.50

Acupuncture Without Needles, Cerney, DC - $ 3

Healing Words: The Power of Prayer and the Practice of Medicine, Dossey - $3

The Royal Treatment: How You Can Take Home the Pleasures
of the Great Luxury Spas, Capellini - $ 1

Business Mastery 3: A Guide for Creating a Fulfilling, Thriving Business &
Keeping It Successful, 3rd ed., Sohnen-Moe - $10

Books for .50¢:
Shiatsu: Japanese Massage for Health & Fitness, Liechti

Healing Massage Techniques: A Study of Eastern & Western Methods, Tappan

Optimal Muscle Recovery, Burke

Spa-Finders Guide to Spa Vacations, Joseph

Traveler’s Guide to Healing Centers & Retreats, Rudee

Sanctuaries: The Northeast, Kelly

The Pilates Powerhouse, Winsor

Creating Health, Chopra

Talking Back to Prozac, Breggin, MD

Guest Blogger - The Wonders of Ginger

2009-04-14T13:39:00.003-04:00

Guest blogger, Sylvia Newberry, returns with her insights into the wonders of Ginger.

This information suggests ways to promote and maintain health.
It is not intended to take the place of personalized medical counseling,
diagnosis, and treatment from a trained health professional

I make it a practice to use primarily herbs and medicinal plants that I can either grow in my garden or find growing in the fields and woodlands that are close by. I don’t always wild harvest the herbs that I use. I recognize that some of them have been harvested to the point they are in danger of extinction. American Ginseng and Goldenseal are two such plants. Other plants are in abundant supply, but require a lot of time and work to harvest and process with a high quality end product. I have found suppliers of high quality herbs and I often purchase what I need from them. I believe that I am helping to support those individuals who make a living by devoting their time and energies to growing and processing these plants. I do watch the plants, like dandelion, burdock, nettle, and yellow dock emerge in the spring and grow through the summer and fall, and I believe that I learn a lot about the plant and its properties and how it is most effectively used by making these observations.

But there is one tropical herb that has become a mainstay for winter health in my family and also in the advice that I give to others who come seeking ways to stay healthy. And that herb is ginger (Zingiber officinalis). It is a plant that will never survive in my Vermont garden. I make frequent trips during the fall and winter, seeking out juicy pieces of ginger root in the produce section of the local grocery stores. Sometimes there are large clusters of root that resemble a hand. Sometimes the pieces of root are smaller and have fewer branches. The most important features to look for are a smooth healthy skin that suggests freshness and lots of juice in the flesh of the root.

Once home, I break the root into pieces that are relative straight and easy to peel. I have found a carrot scraper works well for peeling. I have also used a small paring knife. And I have seen folks use the tip of a teaspoon to scrap away the outer layer. It isn’t a difficult task, whatever the tool you choose. The skin is thin and papery and one good thing about ginger is that it does not make you cry like onions do when you peel them.

Once peeled, I bring out my cutting board and slice the root into thin rounds. The flesh is very fiberous, but if you are using a knife that is sharp, the fibers will cut easily. I have tried slicing the ginger root in my food processor, but the blade did not cut through the fibers and I was left with a pile of ginger mush. This is not always bad, depending on what you are aiming for. It was bad for me because I wanted thin slices.

I pile the sliced ginger into a medium sized sauce pan and pour in about an equal amount of honey. If you spend any time at all with me, you will learn that my formulation of herbal remedies is often more of an art than an exact science. You want enough honey to coat the ginger slices when you stir them around, but you do not need much more than that. But if you pour in more than you need, you will still end up with a usable product. Place the sauce pan over medium heat and find something to do in the immediate vicinity so that you can keep an eye on the honey and ginger. Stir the mixture every once in awhile. And don’t stray beyond the point you can see the mixture. As the ginger and honey heat and simmer, the honey pulls the juices out of the ginger slices, increasing the volume of liquid in the pot. You want to bring it to a simmer and allow it to simmer for 15 to 20 minutes. But I can tell you from repeated experience, the brew will move from barely breaking bubbles on the surface to full foam, spreading with lightening speed all over your stove top. My stove has never been cleaned as many times as it has since I began to make ginger honey syrup.

After 15 to 20 minutes – remember art, not science – remove the pan from the heat. At this point you can decide to strain out the slices of ginger if you wish. I have seen directions to spread the slices on a sheet of waxed or parchment paper that has been sprinkled with granulated sugar, turning to coat both sides. And then, either leaving them on the paper or putting them on a rack like you use to cool baked goods so the air can circulate. The dried slices are great to suck on or to chew to help relieve nausea, and are even safe to use as a remedy for morning sickness and for motion sickness. They will also aid in digestion after a heavy meal. Just a word of caution – you will find these slices contain more “heat” than the commercially available candied ginger.

I leave the ginger slices and the honey syrup together and pour the mixture into small glass canning jars. If I have made more than enough for immediate use, I will water bath the jars to seal them, although I have not had unsealed jars spoil. I leave one pint sized jar out on the kitchen counter. At this time of year it rarely stays full for long. We have come to depend upon the syrup as a remedy that aids with both the prevention and the treatment of colds and flu. We spoon out a couple of generous teaspoonfuls, slices included, and fill the cup with hot water. Stir, sip, and enjoy. If I am going out to shovel snow from the deck and want to increase the circulation to my fingertips while out in the cold, I will add a splash of cayenne pepper (Capsicum frutescens) or tabasco sauce to the tea. If we notice symptoms of a cold developing, we will add a splash of lemon juice and some elderberry syrup to the blend. Elderberry (Sambucus canadensis) is a well respected European cold and flu remedy that is a good complement to the ginger. Some will vouch for the fact that ginger seems to relieve the joint pain associated with some forms of arthritis and made worse by the cold. And as mentioned previously, the syrup/tea can also be used to soothe digestive upsets.

The ingredients are safe and simple. There are some concerns about giving honey to infants less than a year old because of the risk of botulism and their under developed immune systems. You are wise to follow the advice you have been given regarding this concern.

The next time you are shopping, look for the fresh ginger root. Even if you are not inclined to make or use the syrup, you may find other ways to include this tropical herb into your winter diet. I think it is fun to remember some of the ways that people do use this tropical herb to support their health.

Sylvia Newberry worked as a registered nurse for more than 30 years. She currently has a healing practice where she offers energy work, guided imagery, and medicinal herbs. A Reiki master, she offers all levels of attunement to both groups and individuals. She teaches classes about the common, safe healing plants, identifying, growing, and how they can be effectively used. Her website is www.rnhealer.byregion.com and you can leave her a message at The Healing Arts Clinic in Windsor, VT 802-674-7037.

Guest Blogger, Under the Winter Snows

2009-01-24T06:55:00.003-05:00

I am happy to introduce a guest blogger from the Upper Valley health practitioner community, Sylvia Newberry. Here are her insights into the bounty that awaits us under the snow.

Under The Winter Snows

This information suggests ways to promote and maintain health.
It is not intended to take the place of personalized medical counseling,
diagnosis, and treatment from a trained health professional

I know that we are in the depths of a New England winter. And I can tell, not by how high the snow is piled or how low the thermometer is reading, but by the number of seed catalogs that have arrived in my mailbox. I savored my cup of coffee this morning while thumbing through the pages filled with brightly colored flowers, fruits and vegetables, and everything and anything it might take to grow them. The sun shining through the window was not exactly spring-like, but at least it provided some warmth.

The catalogs bring the hope of warm weather, but I remind myself during this time of cold and white, that there are an abundance of green friends that are not dead, but dormant. Merely sleeping out of sight. There is a spot not far from the steps I use to enter and exit my house that holds a patch of chickweed (Stellaria media). In the midst of the mid winter thaw, usually in February, the banks of snow will recede ever so slightly, and there will be a vibrant green plant, ready to burst into bloom. It is so different from what most of us expect, that if we don’t stop and look, we miss it. Plants are not “supposed” to grow under the snow during a Vermont winter.

For those of you even remotely familiar with “beneficial weeds”, the name chickweed probably rings a bell. The plant, in most places, grows close to the ground, forming a mat of tiny verdant leaves offsetting equally tiny white star shaped flowers. It grows best in weather that is cool and moist, but will hang on in a less vibrant form throughout the summer and give one last burst of fresh green as autumn closes in on winter. The plant itself has many healing properties which it is willing to share with those of us who stoop to notice and are willing to set aside our “certainties” about what will and will not contribute to our health and healing. The whole plant can be eaten, either added raw to early spring salads, or lightly steamed or quickly sautéed in a bit of olive oil and garlic. In this way, it becomes one of the earliest spring tonics, filled with an abundance of vitamins and minerals, packaged in an edible form that makes the nutrients readily available to the human body.

The fragile plant structure does not lend itself well to drying. You will find dried chickweed for sale where dried herbs are sold, but even stored under ideal conditions, it gives up it beneficial properties rather quickly. To preserve the healing properties for use “out of season”, it is probably best to harvest, clean, allow to the plant material to wilt over night and then chop it up and cover it in alcohol, unpasteurized apple cider vinegar, vegetable glycerin, or a vegetable oil such as olive or sweet almond oil depending on your intended use. I leave my jars of green-floating-in-liquid sitting on the kitchen counter where I can pick them up several times a day and give them a gentle shake. I let them sit for a couple of weeks, watching the liquid, or menstrum, picking up the coloring from the plant material. I know from study and from personal experience that the vital elements contained in the plant are also being transferred to the liquid. And when the time has passed and I have a day with a bit of free time, I pour the liquid through either an unbleached coffee filter or several layers of cheesecloth into a strainer and eventually into a colored glass bottle, carefully applying a label and giving it a place among other similar looking bottles on the shelf.

What do I use the chickweed tinctures and oils for? Herbal medicine teaches that chickweed is a tonic and a “mover” and “cleanser” of lymph fluids throughout the body. It is gentle and yet powerful in helping to create balance where it has been disturbed by illness or just oversight or neglect. Chickweed infused oil is a wonderful addition to healing salves. I often combine several herbs in the all purpose salves that I make. Chickweed is the soothing ingredient that provides moisture and brings the vitamins and minerals needed for cell repair right to the place where they are needed. I was skeptical when I first began to use herbs in this way. But I have had enough experience with healing wounds, either fresh or long term non-healing ones, to have set that skepticism aside. Call it what you will, the medicine in plants is both gentle and tremendously strong and effective.

So, when you step out your door into the cold, Vermont winter air, look down at the ground all around you and just imagine what green plants are sleeping there, waiting for the snow to begin receding ever so slightly. Look closely when that time comes and see what you can discover.

Sylvia Newberry worked as a registered nurse for more than 30 years. She currently has a healing practice where she offers energy work, guided imagery, and medicinal herbs. A Reiki master, she offers all levels of attunement to both groups and individuals. She teaches classes about the common, safe healing plants, identifying, growing, and how they can be effectively used. Her website is www.rnhealer.byregion.com and you can leave her a message at The Healing Arts Clinic in Windsor, VT 802-674-7037.

Decrease in oxygen and increase of sugar encourages cancer….Tell me more Otto..

2008-10-31T14:54:00.002-04:00

After writing the last post about Otto Warburg’s theories about cancer growth, I was pondering the current predicament of the prevalence of cancer and the way we live in the United States. The National Cancer Institute (NCI) estimates that 40.35% or 1 out of every 2 people will develop some type of cancer in their lifetime. Wow! Those are devastating statistics. Think about it – if you are sitting in a roomful of people – at a café, office, movie theater – almost half of the people you see will develop some form of cancer at some time.

If there is truth to Otto Warburg’s theories about what encourages cancers, then it is no small wonder that the NCI U.S. cancer statistics are so high. As a country we suffer from an epidemic of a decrease of oxygen coupled with a gross intake of sugar.

Between plain old sugar and high fructose corn syrup (have you watched the film King Corn yet?) the U.S. Department of Agriculture estimates that each person in America consumes 92 lbs!! of sugar-substances (sugar, corn syrup, honey) annually. That is almost my weight in sweeteners a year!

And barring the recent spike in the price of gasoline, which made people less eager to hop in their cars, Americans tend not to walk or bike, but rather drive, drive, drive. Our whole shopping culture is built around the automobile, intrinsically less healthy for our bodies, our communities and our planet.

So unlike our counterparts in other cultures that tend to walk and bicycle for their daily transport, we decrease our oxygen intake by driving, while increasing our sugar intake. Sounds like Otto’s cancer recipe to me.

I consider myself to be health conscious, and am a health practitioner educated about nutrition and health issues, yet I spend inordinate amounts of time in my car, not only generating greenhouse gases, but drastically limiting my personal O2 intake by being IN the car and not physically moving! While I clock between 25,000 to 30,000 miles a year on my car living in “healthy” Vermont, my friends in Germany commute via bike to work riding a comparable 33,000 miles a year each on their bicycles and putting only 750 miles! annually on their shared car. If I translate my driving miles into hours I come to somewhere in the vicinity of 750 HOURS a year - that's like driving 7.5 hours a day for 100 days. No wonder I get cranky.

So even if we don’t consider all the other factors that contribute to cancer and other disease – toxins, smoking, heavy metals, to name a few – if we could increase our oxygen and decrease our sugar intake significantly we would be somewhat ahead of the game as it were. Hmmm….sounds to me like an argument for bike and foot paths.

What Doctors Don't Tell You

2008-10-29T15:01:00.002-04:00

Well, we know that there are many things that doctors don't tell us, but happily you can discover many of them at the informative, UK-based, website, What Doctors Don’t Tell You (WDDTY). Since 1989, journalist Lynne McTaggart, author of numerous books including The Field: The Quest for the Secret Force of the Universe, has coordinated the WDDTY website, a virtual warren of articles and data about health and alternative options. Recognized as a responsible, credible source of information and resources, WDDTY is helpful to all practitioners and laypeople interested in the real scoop behind any number of health and science issues.

Here are two examples of unrelated but interesting articles. The first demonstrates yet another reason to be cautious about purchasing items made in China, whether containing high lead, melamine, or other contaminants. In Europe, sofas made in China were found to contain sachets of dimethyl fumarate, a fungicide used to inhibit mold. Unsuspecting sofa-sitters came down with eczema-like allergic reactions and one man suffered heart failure.

The second is about how present day researchers in Europe and the United States are re-examining some of the theories of Otto Warburg, a biochemist who in 1924 (!) made interesting discoveries about the cause of cancer having to do with fermentation of sugar in cells and a lack of oxygen. Dr. Otto Warburg (1883-1970) won the 1931 Nobel Prize in Medicine. He found that cancer cells cannot survive with high levels of oxygen and that cancer occurs when there is a lack of oxygen at the cellular level.
• Oxygen inhibits the growth of cancer.
• Healing potential is increased when oxygen is available to cells & tissues
• Oxygen sensitizes the body to medications so the body needs less
• Oxygen produces energy for healthy cell activity

There is so much information on the WDDTY website, it can seem overwhelming, but there is much to learn and it is worth the effort to wade through it.

Explore at: www.wddty.com

Gluten-Free Goodies Made in Vermont!

2008-10-22T20:38:00.005-04:00

Here is good news for anyone needing to eat gluten-free, and for those unlucky enough to also have to eat dairy- and egg-free, even better news. Liz Lovely, Inc. in Waitsfield, Vermont makes a variety of gluten-, dairy- and egg-free cookies (they also make cookies with wheat) that are delicious! They use organic and fairly-traded ingredients and are certified organic by NOFA Vermont. My fave is the Gluten-free Chocolate Fudge cookie, but they also have incredible Ginger Molasses and Chocolate Chip. Made in small batches by Liz and Dan Holtz, all the Liz Lovely cookies (with-Gluten and Gluten-free) are 100% vegan. You can shop online or find a local store selling their goodies by searching the Store Locator feature on the website.
And if you remember my earlier post (9/18/08) about rice and arsenic, you will be happy to know that the rice flour used in Liz Lovely cookies is organic - phew!
So find these scrumptious treats and enjoy!

Liz Lovely, Inc., Waitsfield, Vermont, 802-496-6390, www.lizlovely.com

Another GREAT Anthroposopphical Medicine Resource

2008-10-22T10:12:00.004-04:00

For those interested in the world of Anthroposophical Medicine, I have just learned of an invaluable resource from Dr. Steven Johnson, D.O., a gifted doctor integrating Anthroposophical medicine and other wholistic modalities into his practice for over fifteen years. He helped develop and co-found the AnthroMed Library, a web-based repository for articles about Anthroposophical Medicine --- http://anthromedlibrary.com.

The AnthroMed Library provides a wealth of information and links on Anthroposophical medicine including medical references about Iscador Mistletoe, used in Europe as an immune stimulant and for cancer therapy.

Mistletoe 101: While the raw plant and berries of mistletoe are poisonous, when made into specially prepared extracts they are safe and offer health benefits. In Europe mistletoe extracts are used as immune stimulants and for cancer therapy. Mistletoe is a semi-parasitic plant that grows on a variety of trees including oak, pine and apple. Currently Mistletoe is not legal in the United States except for clinical trials which the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) is working on: http://nccam.nih.gov/health/eurmistletoe . In Europe, a common mistletoe remedy is manufactured by the Weleda company under the name of Iscador and has been used for over eighty years. See the website for more information: http://www.iscador.com

Mercury-free Computers

2008-10-18T21:04:00.003-04:00

See the Traveling Naturally Blog post Green Laptops!! for information about mercury and arsenic-FREE computers - http://travelingnaturally.blogspot.com

Anthroposophical Medicine

2008-10-18T20:50:00.004-04:00

Anthroposophy comes from the Greek Anthropos, meaning Human Being, plus the Greek Sophia, meaning Wisdom, combining them into Anthroposophy for Human Wisdom.
Dr. Rudolf Steiner (1861-1925), a scientist & artist, developed Anthroposophical Medicine around 1913 based on his studies of natural, social & spiritual realms and his conclusions that plants, animals, humans, earth & the cosmos are all living things with vital forces. Greatly influenced by the German philosopher, Goethe (1749-1832), Steiner developed not just theories and systems around health, but also education (Waldorf schools), agriculture (Biodynamic Farming), astronomy, color, movement (Eurythmy) and other sciences.

Dr. Rudolf Hauschka (1891-1969), an Austrian chemist, worked with Rudolph Steiner to develop remedies using Anthroposophical theories and understanding of plants, minerals & metals and their interactions and effects on human health and vitality. Based on in depth studies of rhythm, and a combination of homeopathic potentiation and rhythmic exposure to elemental polarities, Dr. Hauschka, along with Dr. Ita Wegman, another Steiner associate, developed what were to become the WALA (Warmth/Ash, Light/Ash) remedies. The plant-based remedies are made from wild or biodynamically grown plants. Dr. Hauschka collaborated with Elisabeth Sigmund (1924), a cosmetologist, and they co-founded Dr. Hauschka Skin Care Products.

Long a traditional form of medicine in Europe, with worldwide headquarters in Switzerland, anthroposophical medicine is not so well known in the United States. In recent years the cosmetic and body care products of the Dr. Hauschka and Weleda companies have become fairly prevalent in the United States, but anthroposophical medicinal remedies are still harder to come by (see below for remedy resources), as are physicians schooled in this specialty, which shares many principles of homeopathic medicine, and is often incorporated into European Biological Medicine.

Anthroposophical medicine can be very effective on its own or in conjunction with other modalities, and offers a touch of beauty and grace to the world of medicine. Listed below are informational resources and doctors in Vermont, New Hampshire, & Massachusetts.

Book Resources:
Spiritual Science and the Art of Healing, by Victor Bott, Healing Arts Press, Rochester, VT 1996; 0-89281-636-8
The Fourfold Path to Healing, by Thomas S. Cowan, MD w/ Sally Fallon & Jaimen McMillan, New Trends Publishing 2004. Combines anthroposophical medicine with the Dr. Weston Price diet.

Web Resources::
Association for Anthroposophical Health Professionals - www.artemisia.net

Physicians Association for Anthroposophical Medicine - www.paam.net

Anthroposophical Society of America – www.anthroposophy.org

Lilipoh Magazine – www.lilipoh.com

Remedies:
Uriel Pharmacy, East Troy, Wisconsin, www.urielpharmacy.com. Natural, herbal remedies made from biodynamically grown plants on the Uriel farm and prepared according to anthroposophical standards like the WALA remedies

Weleda, Spring Valley, NY, www.weleda.com

Dr. Hauschka, www.drhauschka.com

Ceres, http://www.niskos.com/CERES/

Doctors in the Area:
Vermont:
Dr. Bill Warnock, ND, Champlain Center for Natural Health, Shelburne, VT, www.vtnaturalmed.com
New Hampshire:
Dr. Pamela Herring, ND, Naturopathic Clinic of Concord, Concord, NH, www.pamelaherring.com
Massachusetts:
Dr. Kent Hesse, MD, Michael Community Therapeutics, 138 Russell St., Hadley, MA 01035, 413-587-4680

Films for Thought

2008-10-16T14:11:00.002-04:00

Any of the films listed below will provide you with a thought provoking evening and are all very much worth the viewing time:

Sicko, a film by Michael Moore, explores health care systems in Britain, France, Canada, Cuba, and the United States. Needless to say the U.S. does not come out looking so great in comparison to these other countries. Caution: it might make you want to flee the country ☺

King Corn is a somewhat goofy but accurate documentary film about two college-age kids who set out to learn about corn by “adopting” a one acre plot in corn-country and seeing the cycle through harvest and commodity. The revelations about high-fructose corn syrup, cattle feed, food, and health are devastating, but they manage to do it so you keep laughing.

Who Killed the Electric Car? is a blood-pressure raising film about a fully electric car that Detroit experimented with and then destroyed – literally. Since this was all pre- the current oil situation, it makes it that much more infuriating.

These are all available through Netflix, or ask at your local video store. Happy (as it were) viewing - you may want to learn the acupuncture points for lowering blood pressure before watching :)

Hernia Repair? Try Canada

2008-09-29T11:53:00.001-04:00

Hernias, a common health issue, have a high rate of re-occurrence after they have been surgically repaired. In the United States hernia repair operations are considered a day-surgery procedure and cost upwards of $10,000 with a recurrence rate of, on average, over ten percent. While these statistics don’t sound so great, there is heartening news.
In Toronto, Canada there is a hospital dedicated solely to hernia repairs and they have the technique down with a less than one percent chance of recurrence.

The Shouldice Hospital, founded in 1945, sits on twenty-three acres of gardens and grounds, with eighty-nine beds and five operating rooms all devoted to hernia repair. In most cases, Shouldice advises using local anesthetic and pre-op sedation, rather than general anesthesia and this makes for a speedier and smoother recovery. Patients stay about four days rather than the same-day discharge in U.S. hospitals. This too helps with recovery and low recurrence rate. Unbelievably, the cost for this extra time and attention is anywhere from between one-quarter to one-half the expense of the procedure in the U.S.

Maybe we should add this to Michael Moore’s list of health stories in his film Sicko, a must-see by the way for anyone interested in the health care system, or lack thereof, in the United States.

My husband, a builder/carpenter, prone to stubbornness and extreme heavy lifting has had two hernias, one on each side, and both have been repaired at Shouldice with great results. It can be a bit of a trek to travel there, but even with the transportation costs of air travel we found it to be substantially less expensive, and much better care, than what we could find locally. So if you know of anyone in need of a hernia operation, steer them to Shouldice.

Shouldice Hospital, 7750 Bayview Avenue, Thornhill, Ontario L3T 4A3; 800-291-4216/905-889-1125; postoffice@shouldice.com; www.shouldice.com

Healthy Painting: Options for Non-Toxic House Paints

2008-09-26T13:37:00.005-04:00

There are so many things we do and use in our daily lives that can effect our health that figuring out what products to use can be overwhelming at times. The good news is that today, more than ever, there are "green" and healthy options available for most products. One important health and environmental choice to consider when building or renovating a home is paint for the interior of the house.

Interior household paint has been manufactured for years with a variety of toxic components from mercury (for mildew and mold resistance) and lead to chemicals that have volatile organic compounds (VOCs). While lead and mercury are no longer allowed in paints, many still contain off-gassing volatile organic compounds. These are carbon-containing chemicals which release vapors that have been found to be hazardous to human health in varying degrees. These vapors are much more concentrated inside a building, so choosing paints that do not contain VOCs or have very low levels is a good “green” choice for your personal health as well as the greater environment. See the EPA website listed below for more information about VOCs.

The good news is that there are now a number of “green” paint options available for the consumer. The final decision about which paints to use will be based on your personal preference and odor tolerance, as well as where you will be using the paints - some are better for areas that will get wet or splattered; others create a warm, earthy quality; and some are designed for use on certain materials.

Some “green” paints are made from natural ingredients, others are derived from synthetic chemicals but are formulated to emit no or low VOCs. Explore the websites below to learn more about types of paints and color availability.

I personally love the smells of the natural based paints, but some people can’t tolerate them or don’t like them. A word of advice – don’t choose the milk powder based paints for places that will get wet or for behind your stove. Instead choose paints that can be easily cleaned. And have fun in the wonderful world of natural colors that many of the companies below offer.

Natural Paint options include:

The Bio Shield Paint Company sells non-toxic, no-VOC paints, finishes and other household products. Their milk-based paints come in dry form and need to be mixed with water. Their no-solvent premixed paint is water-based, as is their clay-paint. They also sell color “wash” paints. BioShield is committed to offering natural and non-toxic products safe for the environment. BioShield Paint Company, 3215 Rufina Street, Santa Fe, NM 87507, 800-621-2591; http://www.bioshieldpaint.com

Auro Natural Paints and Finishes sells non-toxic, no-VOC paints and finishes, as well as adhesives. Their products were developed with sponsorship from the German Federal Environmental Foundation. They use natural pigments and other natural-based materials in their products. Auro Natural Paints, 1340-G Industrial Avenue  Petaluma, CA 94952, 888-302-9352; fax: 707-769-7342; email: info@aurousa.com; http://www.aurousa.com

American Clay Plaster products are made in the U.S.A. American Clay offers three different plaster finishes in 35 basic colors made from natural clays, recycled and reclaimed aggregates, and natural pigments. American Clay Plaster, 8724 Alameda Park Drive NE, Albuquerque, NM 87113; 866-404-1634; sales@americanclay.com; www.americanclay.com

TierraFino Clay, a Dutch company with dealers around the world including a number in the U.S., produces a variety of non-toxic clay based paints and plasters. Tierrafino, Carl Giskes V.O.F., Tweede Helmersstraat 51, 1054 CD Amsterdam the Netherlands; Tel.: +31 (0)20-689-2515 ; Fax: +31 (0)20-616584; info@tierrafino.com;  www.tierrafino.com

No-VOC Synthetic-based Paint options include:

AFM Safecoat Paint sells no or low VOC synthetic based paints and other non-toxic household products. At their website you can download MSDS sheets (Material Safety Data Sheets) which disclose all the ingredients and health hazards for every product. In addition to regular household wall paints, AFM sells specialty paints such as metal primers and paints not available from natural paint companies. Not sold through the website but through dealers, which can be located at the website. For general information call: 619-239-0321; Email: info@afmsafecoat.com; www.afmsafecoat.com

Best Paint Company produces no-VOC synthetic-based, interior and exterior paints in over 1000 colors and provides MSDS sheets for their products. Founded by someone made ill by epoxy paint, Best Paint is dedicated to producing high quality, non-toxic products. Best Paint Company, P.O. Box 3922, Seattle, WA 98124: 206-783-9938; fax: 206-783-5017; bestpaintco@yahoo.com; www.bestpaintco.com

Mythic Non-Toxic Paint was developed in conjunction with the University of Mississippi. It is an acrylic latex paint with zero VOCs and is “ultra low odor.” Mythic is available in seventeen colors for exterior and interior applications. The vintage-style labeled containers come in three sizes. MSDS sheets are available for download at their website. Mythic Paints, 2714 Hardy St., Hattlesburg, MS 39401; 888-714-9422; www.mythicpaint.com

See kt Color below

Low- VOC paint options include:

kt.color offers paints made in Switzerland using mineral pigments and environmentally sound binders. Available in 106 colors, the Flat and Satin paints are arcylic polymer based, solvent-free, and no- or low-VOC depending on the color. kt Color distributed through Aronson's, 135 West 17th Street, NYC; 212-243-4993 x24; info@ktcolorusa.com; www.ktcolorusa.com. Open Monday to Friday 9am - 6pm.

Fine Paints of Europe is an American company selling a line of Dutch-based paint products, many of which are conventional oil and acrylic based paints. Their new line, “ECO” is water-based and considered a low-VOC paint, available as primer and paint in an enormous variety of colors. Fine Paints of Europe, O.O. Box 419, Woodstock, VT 05091; 800-332-1556; fax: 802-457-1740; info@finepaints.com; www.finepaintsofeurope.com/eco_info.aspx

Link – EPA website page about VOCs: http://www.epa.gov/iaq/voc.html

NOTE: MSDS Sheets: Material Safety Data Sheets, called MSDS sheets, were designed by the government to be used by employers, employees and emergency medical personnel to document complete ingredients and toxicity levels for safe handling procedures. While not intended for consumer use, MSDS sheets can be very useful to consumers trying to determine the safest products to use. If you are researching other paint products not listed here, be sure and ask for the specific product MSDS sheet.

Mercury Again...the Tuna Chronicles

2008-09-24T13:48:00.005-04:00

Most people don't realize that there are many different types of Tuna and there are different kinds of mercury. In an earlier post about mercury (see October 17, 2007), I noted that it doesn't much matter what type of mercury, as there can be hazards with all of them. All varieties of Tuna have varying levels of mercury - some have more than others. "Chunk light" canned Tuna has been shown in tests to usually have less mercury than albacore, but those results depend on which type of tuna is in the can and where it has been caught. As a consumer your eyeballs can start to roll trying to remember what Tuna might be safer than another. The links below from the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) and the Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) provide useful tables illustrating what to look for when buying Tuna and other fish.

To learn about some of the behind-the-scenes lobbying by the Tuna industry to keep the U.S. FDA from implementing more stringent guidelines regarding mercury in Tuna, you can read Stephanie Mencimer's article in Mother Jones (link below).

Arsenic in Rice, Mercury in Tuna, Lead in Lipstick.......and why isn't testing for heavy metals considered a standard screening and paid for by insurance? Hmmm...

Mother Jones Magazine - Why Mercury in Tuna is Still Legal, by Stephanie Mencimer
http://www.motherjones.com/news/feature/2008/09/exit-strategy-tuna-surprise.html

Consumer Reports - Mercury in Tuna - http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/babies-kids/child-safety/food/mercury-in-tuna/tuna-safety/overview/0607_tuna_ov.htm

See two helpful charts from the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) Eating Tuna Safely - http://www.nrdc.org/health/effects/mercury/tuna.asp?gclid=CJ6azcGE9ZUCFQOeFQodI3rEiw
and the Consumer Guide to Mercury in Fish - http://www.nrdc.org/health/effects/mercury/guide.asp

The Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) offers a helpful Seafood Selector. Here is the link for Tuna - http://www.edf.org/page.cfm?tagID=16314&source=ggad&gclid=CKPxs8uF9ZUCFQukHgodD2FEig

Mercury Levels in Commercial Fish & Shellfish from the U.S. EPA - http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/%7Efrf/sea-mehg.html

U.S. EPA site on Mercury - http://www.epa.gov/mercury/

Just When You Thought It Was Safe to Eat ….Rice…..

2008-09-18T13:07:00.004-04:00

Rice has always been a popular staple of U.S. and foreign diets, but its use has increased as the ever-growing number of people with gluten allergies have sought options to wheat and other grains. In addition to whole grain rice, rice products include rice milk, and rice flour, used in most gluten-free products from bread and baking mixes to pasta. This means that gluten sensitive and celiac sufferers are consuming a lot of rice.

The boon in gluten-free, rice-based products is wonderful for those of us seeking decent tasting alternatives to prevalent and abundant wheat products. But here is the rub:
recent reports show that rice grown in Asia and the southern United States have high levels of arsenic. A study in the UK found that rice milk had up to three times the arsenic allowed by the US and EU for acceptable levels in drinking water.

Arsenic, a known toxin, used to poison and kill people in ancient times, and made famous for its noxious effects in the movie Arsenic and Old Lace with Cary Grant, is a heavy metal which accumulates in the soil and in human bodies, and can cause cancer, diabetes and other diseases.

Arsenic compounds have been used in agriculture as pesticides and herbicides as well as in animal feed. In the Southern United States, arsenic based pesticides were used on cotton crops for decades, persisting in the soil, even when no longer used. And now, there are a large number of former cotton fields that grow rice, so the arsenic used on the cotton is accumulating in rice.

Many countries in Asia use large amounts of arsenic contaminated water in their rice patties instead of a safer raised-bed system. The United Nations is working to increase the use of raised-bed rice farming in these areas to reduce arsenic levels.

What does this mean for the consumer? The best thing to do is to make sure the rice and rice products you are eating are certified organic. And to be on the safe side, not grown in former cotton fields or with arsenic contaminated water. The following brands sell organic rice products, but remember to read the labels as many brands sell some products that are organic and some that aren’t.

Lundberg Rice, California grown rice, either certified organic or “eco-farmed” – www.lundberg.com

Arrowhead Mills, based in Texas, uses organic rice flour in their All Purpose Gluten-Free Baking Mix – www.arrowheadmills.com

Shiloh Farms, based in Pennsylvania, sells organic rice flour – www.shilohfarms.net

Bob’s Red Mill makes a gluten-free All Purpose Baking Mix without any rice flour and they sell five gluten-free flours that are organic including Amaranth, Brown Rice, Quinoa, White Rice, and Coconut. www.bobsredmill.com

Tinkyada makes rice pasta with five organic options – www.tinkyada.com

Erewhon makes a gluten-free crispy rice cold cereal with organic rice and organic rice syrup - http://www.usmillsllc.com/usmills/search.php?brand=1

For more information about arsenic see the following:

• Arsenic can be found in water, rocks, wood preservatives, pesticides, and from mining activities - www.safe-drinking-water.org
• Arsenic information from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) - http://www.epa.gov/safewater/arsenic/basicinformation.html
•A common source is pressure-treated wood, also known as CCA (Chromated (Chromium) Copper Arsenate (Arsenic), has been recently banned by the EPA for residential use, but is still allowed for industrial & agricultural uses
According to studies, older decks and play-sets(seven to 15 years old) made from pressure-treated wood expose people to just as much arsenic on the wood surface as newer structures (less than one year old).
The amount of arsenic that testers wiped off a small area of wood about the size of a four-year-old's handprint (100 square centimeters) typically far exceeds what EPA allows in a glass of water under the Safe Drinking Water Act standard.
www.ewg.org - Environmental Working group for more information and arsenic test kits

Season of Gift Giving: Alternative Gift Giving and Keeping the Lead Out

2007-12-01T16:37:00.000-05:00

There has been a good deal of news coverage lately about lead content in toys and other products. Listed here are some alternative, non-material, gift-giving options. as well as some information about companies that specialize in selling natural, non-toxic toys. These links should help keep your holiday gift giving season lead-free and healthy. Happy Holidays!

There are a number of organizations that offer gifts of service and support to people in need around the world. Two organizations that make this type of giving easy are Oxfam International and the Seva Foundation. Both organizations will send a card to your gift recipient telling them what service or support you have purchased in their name.

Oxfam Unwrapped is a program of Oxfam International administered by each country’s chapter. Oxfam Unwrapped offers gifts to help people in need around the world in the form of safe drinking water, training and support for women, livestock & farming, fair-trade and micro-business support, and more. The U.S. website is: www.oxfamamericaunwrapped.com where you can conveniently order online.

The Seva Foundation was founded by a group of World Organization doctors in 1978. Seva means service in Sanskrit. The foundation works in 10 countries, particularly helping women and children have access to clean water and health care. Like Oxfam, Seva offers easy online ordering at www.seva.org.

No-Lead Toys: Made from wood and other natural materials
NovaNatural at www.novanatural.com
Three Sisters Toys – www.threesisterstoys.com - you can shop by category or by the country the toys were made in
Willow Tree Toys – www.willowtreetoys.com - made in U.S and Europe
Planet Happy Toys – www.planethappytoys.com
Magic Cabin – www.magiccabin.com
Our Green House – www.ourgreenhouse.com
The Organic Toy Box - www.organictoybox.com
Seasons Natural Toys - www.seasonsnaturaltoys.com

Health News of the Week – Heat and Cancer

2007-11-15T09:53:00.000-05:00

Cancer cells do not like heat. What form of heat and how the heat reaches cancer cells is constantly being researched. A treatment called Radio Frequency Ablation (RFA) has been successful in killing cancer cells in areas of the body accessible to thin needle probes that once inserted generate heat-producing radio waves directly into the tumor. Studies in Italy have found this effective for lung cancer treatment. While this form of heat production does not cause uncomfortable side effects, it is not possible to use on deep tumors.
Last week The Los Angeles Times reported a new cancer treatment also employing radio waves for heat generation, but with a technique that allows for access to tumors deep in the body. “Sending His Cancer a Signal” spotlights John Kanzius, a cancer patient who has developed this prototypical treatment. The preliminary research about the treatment will be published in the December issue of the medical journal, Cancer. Some cancer treatment aficionados may be reminded of the Rife frequency technology, but Kanzius’s prototype is different. Radio waves are used to heat ingested minute carbon particles called nanotubes. The heated particles then kill cancer cells. The treatment is still in the development stages as the research to date has shown that some healthy tissue can be damaged in the process, as is the case with currently used radiation and chemotherapy treatments. But researchers are hopeful that they will perfect the accuracy of the ingested nanotubes to only reach cancer cells. If this is accomplished, the treatment has the potential to kill cancer cells without causing side effects and damage to the body.
Keep your eyes open for more information about this innovative treatment. For more information read the Los Angeles Times article at: www.latimes.com/news/science/la-na-cancer2nov02,1,5233765.story?track=rss

Health News: When a Kiss is not Just a Kiss… Lead in Lipstick

2007-11-01T16:14:00.000-04:00

The Campaign for Safe Cosmetics has released a study finding that 61% of the thirty-three U.S. manufactured red lipsticks tested contained lead, and one-third of these exceeded the US FDA limit for lead in candy. None of the lipsticks found to contain lead listed it in their ingredients. The report, A Poison Kiss: The Problem of Lead in Lipstick, complete with lipstick brand names found to contain lead, can be downloaded at: www.safecosmetics.org . The site also offers useful information about other harmful cosmetic ingredients, as well as a list of companies that have agreed to not use hazardous ingredients in their products.

A tip about red: The color red in ceramics, paints, lipsticks and other items is often derived from either lead or cadmium, both heavy metals. The paint color Vermillion was derived from cinnabar from which mercury is extracted. So you can see that red has a heavy-metal tainted history. When you see red, make sure it is not produced from heavy metals.

More Headlines: “Vaccine Preservative Poses No Health Risk, Study Says”

2007-10-16T12:40:00.000-04:00

The preservative the headline is referring to is mercury. Wow, now that would be news if mercury was found to pose no health risk. However, there is not a government entity in the world that would claim that mercury is not a toxic element. If you go on to websites for the U.S. EPA, the Canadian Government, the European Union, the World Health Organization, and others there are pages filled with the dangers of mercury, lead and other heavy metals. The hazards of these elements have been known for centuries.

Sources of Mercury include atmospheric from coal-fired power-plants, municipal and medical waste incinerators, and crematoriums. Consumer products containing mercury can be found in certain drugs (see link to FDA list), batteries, dental fillings (dental amalgam is made up of approximately 40-50% mercury, 25% silver and 25-35% a mixture of copper, zinc and tin), fluorescent bulbs (including energy efficient), jewelry, paint, thermometers, thermostats; and is present in certain fish.

Notice the warning posters and information campaigns about not eating fish because of mercury content. Hazardous waste collection days have special events for collecting old mercury-filled thermometers because they are toxic. Mercury used as a preservative in house paints has been banned for almost twenty years – because it is hazardous to your health.

So, we are supposed to believe that it is safe to inject a child with a vaccine that uses a mercury-based preservative, but not safe to paint our houses with paint that has mercury-based preservatives in it? Explain the logic in that – not the studies – the logic. There is none.

The industry rebuttals about the different types of mercury – ethyl, methyl, organic, inorganic, elemental – do the trick – they make most people’s eyes glaze over. The fact is mercury is toxic – maybe in degrees, maybe in how it’s metabolized, but that skirts the real issue. The real issue is that the governments of Canada, the United States and the European Union (last count 27 countries) all classify Mercury (not specified by ethyl, methyl, inorganic, organic, or elemental) as “Very Toxic”, “Hazardous” and has “Danger of cumulative effects.”

The study that was supposed to exonerate thimerosal, the ethyl-mercury –based preservative, only illustrates the weak and flawed aspects of such research. The study did not address links to autism, even though other studies have shown that children receiving vaccines containing thimerosal had 27 times (2700%) greater chance to develop Autism Spectrum Diseases than those receiving vaccines without thimerosal.

The media coverage of the study left out rebutting information including the article, “Vaccine Study In New England Journal Of Medicine Wrong In Concluding Mercury Exposures Are Harmless,” written by Sallie Bernard, Executive Director of SafeMinds (www.safeminds.org), one of the study’s external consultants, and the only consumer representative. Bernard writes, “A Centers for Disease Control (CDC) study on the relationship between mercury (thimerosal) in vaccines and children's brain functioning draws a misleading conclusion.” (see full article at: www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/83770.php ). An earlier article by the National Autism Association says, “CDC's Vaccine Committee Whitewashed Toxic Vaccine Component” (see full article at: www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/63777.php)

A common-sense, far-sighted, as well as hind-sighted, person is not going to be fooled by misleading research. Mercury is hazardous. If you shouldn't breathe it, eat it or touch it, you certainly shouldn't be injecting it into a body, especially a young body. Finding new uses for mercury each time it is banned from a product, or trying to futilely prove its safety, should not be a priority. Safeguarding the world’s children from toxins should be.

Links - The websites with the most comprehensive information include:
www.chem.unep.ch/mercury - United Nations Environmental Programme with useful inks and the Global Mercury Assessment report key findings
www.atsdr.cdc.gov/cabs/mercury - Dept for Health and Human Services Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR)
www.fda.gov/cder/fdama/mercury300.htm - drugs containing mercury - fda list
www.epa.gov/mercury - US EPA site on mercury

A word on testing mercury body burdens for consumers and future researchers: It makes a difference whether you are testing blood, urine or hair. Using blood tests as the only marker is faulty and provides inaccurate information. As the Department for Health and Human Services Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) explains on their website appropriate testing is critical for uncovering accurate mercury loads in the body.
The particular test depends on type of mercury to which a person believes he or she has been exposed. Urine tests are good for determining exposure to elemental or inorganic mercury, NOT methylmercury. Hair analysis is considered a reliable marker for exposure to methyl and ethyl mercury. Blood tests are a good indicator of only methylmercury. Acute elemental exposures can be detected in the blood only for a few days, after 2 days, urine is a better indicator of past or cumulative elemental mercury exposure.

Health Headlines This Week

2007-10-16T11:03:00.000-04:00

“The Appendix Has a Purpose After All”
Well I had to chuckle at this one. I love what tax dollars and grant money get spent on. The Duke University Medical School findings feel like a kid that runs into the house exclaiming with excitement about the epiphany they have had – and the parents and grandparents are looking at him “Well yes, that’s true Jimmy (duh!)”. The article reports, “The appendix, long thought a useless organ, actually grows and protects good germs for your gut, according to a new theory.”

The study shows general human arrogance by assuming that just because we haven’t figured out the significance or purpose of a body part means that it has no value or import.

It further illustrates the arrogance of western, allopathic medicine to presume that no other medical theory or system in the world has any relevance except theirs until they prove something. I have news for them – this study and finding is NOT news to thousands of western trained Naturopathic doctors. It is NOT news to practitioners trained in Chinese medicine for thousands of years. It is NOT news to practitioners trained in Indian Ayurvedic medicine for 5000-plus years. It is NOT news to millions of people who live around the globe and practice what the World Health Organization (WHO) calls “Traditional Medicine” – medical practices based on ancient knowledge of the body, earth and plants.

The article says that CDC figures show that between 300-400 Americans die of appendicitis each year, and that the rate in other countries is lower. While these people did ultimately die from a ruptured appendix, our medical system should be looking at the greater causes. In this modern, industrialized and “developed” era, we have thousands of environmental toxins – chemicals, heavy metals and nutrient-poor food. We don’t spend time outdoors, we shun manual labor – in short we lead lives that our bodies were not designed for. Why don’t we shift our medical screening tests to include toxin-screens, heavy metals testing, as well as education and support about healthy nutrition and food choices. Why doesn’t the money spent on studies like these get directed instead to making truly fresh, wholesome food more readily available to more people.

This may come as a surprise, but in Europe, where Naturopathic and Biological medicine have been practiced without interruption and persecution, the importance of a healthy digestive system is seen foundational to the health of the whole body. The medical orientation of both Naturopathic and Biological medicine is to work with the body’s resources not against them, using diet, plant-based remedies, and treatments to stimulate healthy bacteria and proper assimilation to treat both minor and major illnesses.

The article concludes with the quote, “I’ll bet eventually we’ll find the same sort of thing with the tonsils.” I don’t want to burst their bubble, or make them feel left out, but let me whisper in your ear, “The others already have.”

Local Rocks

2007-10-10T11:00:00.000-04:00

Ariel Zevon, daughter of rocker Warren Zevon, has opened a year-round farmers market and cafe in Barre, Vermont where organic and locally-grown and produced Vermont products are featured.

Like many towns and small cities across the country, there are no longer supermarkets on Barre's Main Street - they have moved out to the malls with the chain stores. Zevon chose to renovate an old department store, placing her new market right on North Main Street, following her philosophy of keeping things locally focused. Zevon is hoping to create more demand for local products by drawing on the community aspects of supporting locally produced products and food, as well as working directly with farmers to maximize the market for their products.

Visit the Local Agricultural Community Exchange (LACE) at 159 N. Main St., Barre, VT 802-476-4276; www.lacevt.org. LACE is closed on Mondays.

Freshness and Health

2007-10-05T20:34:00.000-04:00

Ten years ago Saveur Magazine (March ’97) ran a story that to me seemed to sum up the missing link in our eating habits and issues around health and nutrition - what should we eat, what shouldn't we eat, what is the current diet fad or trend. Without meaning to, the article pointed out how we suffer from "shelf-life syndrome." The following synopsis of the Saveur story illustrates this.

The author of the story, William Murray, starts off by recounting a conversation he has had with an Italian friend about fresh mozzarella cheese. Murray proudly describes the cheese he buys - freshly made the day he buys it and consumed the following day. His Italian friend replies, with a pained expression, that having grown up in Italy it is difficult for him to eat mozzarella that is more than 2 1/2 HOURS old!

As if this part of the tale weren't telling enough - Murray goes on to describe the mozzarella producing areas around a town called Fondi, and particularly one factory, known for its exceptional cheese, owned by Signor Giovanni Buonanno. By 1:30 every afternoon, a few hours after it has opened to the public, all the mozzarella made that day - about one ton - has been sold. Signor Giovanni, as he is known, is 73. He owns about 170 acres of land, and 800 plus water buffalo (whose milk is used for the mozzarella). His operation is computerized and impeccably clean. He knows each of his water buffalo by name, not number.

Here's the punch line: When someone approached Signor Giovanni about selling his mozzarella in the United States, he figured out that it wouldn't be for sale here until three days after it was made. Signor Giovanni said no to the deal. He said, "Mozzarella is not something that you eat after three or four days. No. You come to Fondi and you eat it fresh!"

We can learn a lot from Signor Giovanni.

While we all have different biochemical nutritional needs, we share some common needs - one of these being FRESH, whole foods. The focus of our food system here in the United States is not freshness, but shelf-life. I feel the quest for the ever-longer shelf-life is what has undermined basic health - creating "shelf-life syndrome."

We're so fortunate in Vermont and New Hamshire to have farm stands and markets in the warmer months where we can get hours-old harvested food. You can purchase fresh, hours-old (not days or weeks) food picked when it's ripe (not picked green and gassed to appear ripe later in the store). You get to meet the people that grew the food; you support their hard work, keeping beautiful land open and working. You consume food, which is full of natural antioxidants, enzymes, vitamins, minerals and other phytonutrients. It is a complete cycle of life and support - your health benefits; your environment benefits; and, your local economy benefits.

Since the hard frost has held off this year, we can all still eat beautiful, fresh vegetables and fruits. As we enter the winter months you can still make fresh food choices - buy locally produced meats, eggs and dairy products. Frozen organic vegetables and fruits are usually frozen at the peak of their ripeness and freshness. Eat naturally fermented fresh sauerkraut and vegetables - and stock up on local produce that keeps well like root vegetables and some apples.

Next time you're purchasing food or sitting down to a meal, think less about what you are eating and more about how fresh it is. If it's truly fresh, your health will follow.

For a list of local farms and markets see Vital Communities Annual Guide to Locally Grown Food - Farms, Farm-Stands and more - www.vitalcommunities.org
For naturally fermented vegetables see the sidebar, "Naturally Fermented Foods" with links on the right of this blog
For Vermont & New Hampshire Food Coops and health food stores see the Community Resources page at: www.thealternativehealthguides.com

For those traveling to Italy you can go to Fondi and have the fresh mozzarella!
Caseificio Buonanno
Via Mola della Corte N° 7/9
04022 Fondi (Between Rome and Naples)
Lazio, Italy; Tel: +39-0771-513011
http://www.caseificiobuonanno.it

Health News of the Week

2007-10-04T13:03:00.000-04:00

ACUPUNCTURE FOR BACK PAIN

Researchers in Germany have released a study demonstrating the benefits and effectiveness of Acupuncture as a treatment for back pain. The study showed that almost fifty percent of the 1100 patients taking part in the research had sustained relief with Acupuncture as opposed to only twenty-seven percent finding relief with drugs and other Western therapies.
The BBC News web site has a more in depth article about this study as well as relative links - http://news.bbc.co.uk (As a side note, I find the BBC news to be an excellent source of world wide news not always covered by the American Press, especially with health related stories - check their Health, as well as Science/Nature pages.)

At the University of Vermont, in Burlington, Vermont, Dr. Helen Langevin a research associate professor of neurology, is conducting a six-year research project into acupuncture and its effect on connective tissue. For information about Dr. Langevin’s work, check out the UVM web pages below:

“Research to Investigate Response to Acupuncture” article at:
http://www.uvm.edu/~uvmpr/theview/article.php?id=612

“Acupuncture Needling Gets the Picture” article at:
http://www.uvm.edu/~uvmpr/theview/article.php?id=1151

Codex: Europe and Beyond

2007-10-03T18:49:00.000-04:00

Switzerland, like much of Europe and Asia, has a long history of using natural remedies for health care. This is evident when traveling through Switzerland where drugstores and pharmacies throughout the country sell both natural and pharmaceutical products, often side by side. Switzerland is a highly developed, wealthy country complete with its own pharmaceutical giants, who would like consumers to buy their pharmaceutical products over long-standing, successful, natural remedies. But cultural heritage and attitudes run deep. In Switzerland, druggists and pharmacy owners must go through years of education and apprenticeship, including not only the study of pharmaceutical products but also of herbal and homeopathic remedies.

Natural remedies of the highest quality are made in Switzerland, Germany, France and other European countries. These natural products and medicines are displayed in pharmacy windows often with equal or greater representation than conventional products.

There is a threat to this balanced presentation of health options and to consumer choice in Europe – and soon the world. The European Union and parts of Switzerland, not withstanding their long tradition of natural remedies and health care, are implementing laws concerning supplements and herbs that are extremely restrictive in terms of availability, and allowable vitamin, mineral and herbal potencies.

CODEX – Neither a Camera, Nor from The Da Vinci Code

The European Union has accepted a devastating set of guidelines known as the Codex Alimentarius: Guidelines on Vitamin and Mineral Food Supplements. The controversial Codex guidelines are connected to the World Trade Organization (WTO), in itself a controversial conglomerate of multinational interests. Under the guise of consumer best interest and free trade, the WTO is aggressively pursuing global standards of commerce favorable to large industries such as pharmaceuticals, agriculture and other products. Free trade does not equal Fair trade, nor does it guarantee the best interests of people around the world involved with small-scale, sustainable, local and Fair-trade enterprises. In the Codex, the focus is on global standards for nutritional supplements and herbal remedies.

The official line is that of public safety - a thinly veiled cover-up for market control. In countries where the Codex is being enacted or will be enacted, there are restrictions to consumer choice and availability. In brief, the Codex is limiting the allowable maximum potencies to minimum levels. Pharmaceutical companies will be allowed to sell certain high potency vitamins and minerals, requiring prescriptions. Some currently permissible vitamins and minerals will be eliminated all together. Some herbs will be restricted or no longer available. Product information, crucial to consumer empowerment and choice will be limited. Synthetic instead of natural sources for supplements will be utilized. With the broad control of supplements and herbs comes more possibilities for patented products, further limiting access and driving up costs.

Norway and Germany have already adopted these standards so Vitamin C potency is limited to 200 mg and Vitamin E at 45 IU – over these is considered illegal. As a reference point, in the United States the Food and Nutrition Board of the Institute of Medicine has set upper tolerable dosage limits for Vitamin C at 2,000 mg for adults and the upper tolerable dosage limit for Vitamin E at 1500 IU.

Some governments are opposed to the Codex guidelines noting that traditional medicines, homeopathic remedies and other alternative medicines should continue to be available to people building on rich cultural and historical knowledge, and should not be analyzed the same way as pharmaceutical drugs.

A sustainable future includes true accessibility of nutrients and botanicals, and building on a millennia old knowledge base of traditional healing, not on the ultimate control of natural healing substances by multinational, pharmaceutical corporations whose real goals have to do with profits not individual or planetary health.

For more information about Codex:
Natural Solutions Foundation – www.healthfreedomusa.org
American Holistic Health Association – www.ahha.org
Official Codex site - www.codexalimentarius.net
Food Supplements: The EU Threat - www.sovereignty.org.uk/features/articles/foodsup.html
For more Information about the World Trade Organization (WTO):
Public Citizen Global Trade Watch at: http://www.citizen.org/trade/

Blog Beginnings

2007-10-03T18:44:00.000-04:00

The Alternative Health Guides is venturing into the world of blogging. The tried and true print directory is exploring this fun and user friendly format of information exchange. We hope that the links and book lists will make accessing information about alternative and traditional healing easier for everyone.

Stay tuned for news updates and commentary. To your health! Dorian